And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Sanctify unto me all the firstborn, whatsoever openeth the womb among the children of Israel, both of man and of beast: it is mine. And Moses said unto the people, Remember this day, in which ye came out from Egypt, out of the house of bondage; for by strength of hand the LORD brought you out from this place: there shall no leavened bread be eaten.
And thou shalt shew thy son in that day, saying, This is done because of that which the LORD did unto me when I came forth out of Egypt. And it shall be for a sign unto thee upon thine hand, and for a memorial between thine eyes, that the LORD'S Law may be in thy mouth: for with a strong hand hath the LORD brought thee out of Egypt. Thou shalt therefore keep this ordinance in his season from year to year. And it shall be when the LORD shall bring thee into the land of the Canaanites, as He sware unto thee and to thy fathers, and shall give it thee, That thou shalt set apart unto the LORD all that openeth the matrix, and every firstling that cometh of a beast which thou hast; the males shall be the LORD'S. And every firstling of an ass thou shalt redeem with a lamb; and if thou wilt not redeem it, then thou shalt break his neck: and all the firstborn of man among thy children shalt thou redeem. (Exo 13:1-3, 8-13)
God tells the children of Israel to sanctify those whom God spared because of the Blood on the doorposts, for they belong to God. Moses tells them, that for all the firstborn are the Lord's for He delivered them with a mighty hand. Not only did He purchase them, when He passed over, but they point to Christ, the firstborn among many brethren.
The Scriptures point to Christ, and there are many pictures of His redeeming work, not only on behalf of those who are His, who have trusted Him for salvation, but also for those He chose and called His people. He also works on behalf of all people, to draw them to Himself, for He does not take pleasure in the death of the wicked, nor does He delight when they perish in their sins. God is a God of mercy, but because He is just, He must also punish sIn.
God wants us to remember what He has done and is doing for us. He redeemed us from the bondage of this world, He delivered us from the power of sIn, and He is preparing us for eternity with Him, because of our faith in His finished and perfect work on the Cross of Calvary.
Until that day, while He lives His life in us, we are to be obedient in discipleship; teaching one another and encouraging growth in the knowledge of the Lord. We are commanded to minister to the hurting and those in need, so that others see Jesus in us. We are commissioned to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ, and as we go, we are tell all who will hear of His love and mercy, that they may believe, and believing have life in His Name.
For GOD is not willing that any should perish, but that all would come to repentance and the knowledge of the Truth. Jesus loves you and wants to establish a covenant relationship with you that is real and personal. Surrender to Him on His terms and He will give you a brand new life of discipleship and fellowship with Him that is abundant and everlasting. GOD calls you to trust what He has already done for you to pay your sIn debt. Just as He delivered Israel through the Passover, He has provided the only way of reconciliation with GOD with forgiveness and Salvation through Jesus Christ, the Son of GOD who is GOD the Son, to give you a new life in Christ. Turn away from yourself and your sIn and turn to Him alone for eternal Life, now and always.
In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet
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