EXODUS 13:1-16 CONSECRATE THE FIRSTBORN Among the two million or so Israelites who moved out of Egypt in an orderly fashion were thousands of the firstborn who would have died if the lambs had not died and their blood applied to the door posts and lintel in the way God instructed. Those who were firstborn now belonged to God, both man and beast. This miraculous beginning of modern history written in chronological order started with a charge from God to not forget what He had done. During the night of the first month of the year, the month Abib, God's redeemed people moved out directed by the promises of God. This was truly a day to be remembered. The sacrifice of lambs was the key to the firstborn being able to join with the nation in the exodus from Egypt. "Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us. Therefore, let us keep the feast." We are able to enjoy the freedom and privileges of the redeemed people of God because of the sacrifice of the "Lamb of God." Such a call to remembrance of Him is not something to be taken lightly or twisted in any way to make it suit our own plans. The Passover feast was to be kept as God intended, when God intended. The same is true of the Lord's Supper.
The oldest in the family was God's by redemptive right. They had been redeemed to serve. If it was the firstborn of an ass (donkey), in order for it to live for special service, a lamb had to die for it, otherwise its neck would be broken. When any child in the future would ask the meaning of this, he or she would be told that it was to commemorate the death of the firstborn in Egypt, and how the firstborn of Israel would live because of the death of the lamb. Those who were the firstborn were to do priestly service for the children of Israel. At Sinai the tribe of Levi was substituted for the firstborn of every family. Money payment of five shekels was paid down for them in the generations that followed [Num.18:15-16] while they were still infants.
Perhaps every firstborn son from the time he could understand the meaning of the Passover, on through the rest of his life, would be caused to think each first day of the first month - "I live because a redemptive price was paid for me." We remember weekly in the remembrance the One who was "the Firstborn among many brethren," and the "Firstborn from the dead." Because He paid the price of redemption by giving His life which He lived perfectly, we live who were condemned to die because of our sin.
The impact of that Passover sacrifice was to guide and guard everything the children of Israel did, and it was to be a constant reminder of who they were. It was to be a motivation for holy and righteous living in every home in the nation. It would remind them of how God saved their firstborn and freed them from slavery. It showed them the value God places on human life compared to the evil gods of the pagan worshipers who believed their gods demanded human sacrifices. It pointed forward to the day when the Lord Jesus Christ would pay the redemption price for sin once for all by His death on the cross of Calvary. It was one way, people who were searching for peace in their soul and forgiveness of sin, could understand the truth of being born again.
I really don't know just how the firstborn thinks When they first realize their place in the family. It seems like they feel certain obligations that position brings That those born later don't feel or see. Maybe God made them that way after that Passover night So that they will take life's challenges more seriously. I know there is a sense that if they do things right
Those following might their proper example see.
It certainly was important to God when He Chose the firstborn to be committed to Him. He wasn't satisfied that there be just some fee And then the first born would be free to sin. He intended the firstborn to Him to be true With a life for God to be dedicated. It was not a casual thing priestly work to do To that work he was to be consecrated.
But now it goes farther than just one out of many, God wants us to be a kingdom of priests. Each believer redeemed by blood dedicated to Him completely To do more than just keep annual feasts. He wants us to present our bodies to Him As evidence of devoted priestly service. This is not done by us just as a personal whim But as those who pray that God can use us.
Christ our Passover did not die only for the firstborn - His sacrifice was made for us all. The new life He gives is not something we earn, It is freely given when we on Him call. This I can understand by experiencing it first hand, I have eternal life because Jesus has died. Now my personal desire is to serve as best I can The One in Whose life now and forever I abide.
"Father and God of all grace: my feeble attempts at grasping the value of the sacrifice of Christ, fall far short of the reality of it. But to the extent I can understand the worth of my Savior and with a desire that more might bring me to Him in gratitude. I bow to thank Thee and give honor to the One who brought me into Thy family. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen."