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Daily Devotion: Exodus 13:1-3

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Exodus 13:1-3    "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." 

It seems so easy for us to just read over short phrases and not consider the power behind them. The LORD spoke to Moses. The God of creation gave His word to Moses. He spoke with authority and gave Moses a command. 

All the firstborn, whether of man or beast, was to be set aside and dedicated to the LORD. These were presented before Him for a special possession. We understand that from the standpoint of ownership, everything belongs to Him. This command was a declaration of not only ownership but of a particular purpose. 

It is understood historically that the firstborn referred to here were firstborn males without blemish. The term firstborn also meant chief or best. Our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, is said to be the firstborn among many brethren (Romans 8:29). Our relationship to God the Father exists in and through the sanctification of the only begotten Son of God. 

At the same time, this is an admonishment to us today that the LORD is worthy of the best we have. He has declared that it is His. This is a simple truth since the best that we have comes from Him and through Him. The scripture tells us that every man, from Adam to the end of time, in his best state is altogether vanity (Psalms 39:5). Only in Jesus is that vanity swallowed up in righteousness that is pleasing to God. 

Beloved, it is good for us to remember the day that the LORD revealed to us that He alone is God. It is good to remember the day that He showed us our bondage and then showed us our Deliverer. We are not to mix worldly understanding (leaven) with the simple bread of truth. It is only the strength of the hand of the LORD that has brought us up from the land of bondage. He alone is worthy of our praise and honor!


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