Good Morning.

Then you shall say to Pharaoh, “Thus says the Lord: Israel is My son, My firstborn. So I say to you, let My son go that he may serve Me.” (Exodus 4:22-23)

In a follow up to what we discussed yesterday, let us consider the fact that, not only did  God call Israel “My son,” but also His “firstborn” son. Throughout the Bible we see how the firstborn in every family were given certain privileges and responsibilities. We also see that many of them, starting with Cain, failed to meet those expectations. Nevertheless, biblically speaking, there is something very unique and sacred about being the firstborn. 

That fact is amplified when you realize that it was the firstborn of Israel — not everyone else — who were spared from death and redeemed on the night that Israel sat down to eat the Passover. Throughout the night, as the Destroyer went through the land striking down the firstborn of Egypt, only those firstborn who sheltered behind the blood of the lamb were redeemed. Later, the LORD would tell Moses:

“Consecrate to Me all the firstborn, whatever opens the womb among the children of Israel, both of man and beast; it is Mine.” (Exodus 13:2).

Those who God regards as being firstborn are consecrated unto Him and are considered to be His and, consequently, devoted to His service. In fact, before the Golden Calf incident and the selection of the tribe of Levi, it is insinuated that the firstborn of Israel from every tribe — i.e. those who had been redeemed by the blood of the lamb — served in the capacity of priests (Exodus 19:22). The point, then, should be obvious; those of who are redeemed by the blood are considered to be God’s “firstborn” and function in the role of His priests.   

Whether sons or daughters, those have been blood-bought are His firstborn and are given certain privileges and blessings, as well as great responsibility. So then, let us learn from the mistakes of other firstborns who didn’t highly regard their calling. May we diligently strive to please our Father in a way that is befitting the status of being His firstborn and a royal priesthood.

Blessings and Shalom,  

Bill  

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