Exodus 13;1,2
Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, “Sanctify to Me every firstborn, the first offspring of every womb among the sons of Israel, both of man and beast; it belongs to Me.”
The Hebrews were asked to sanctify their firstborn unto The Lord. The firstborn represents the first and best of all that one has. The firstborn is their hope for the future. With them and in farm economies and others, children represented income. They also helped take care of aging parents. Almost like a retirement plan. They also represent their honor. A child represents their family. Sanctifying the firstborn isn’t giving the child away (it did in some cases-Samuel), but a dedication to The Lord. It’s like saying, “God, I give up my child to You. Use him/her as You would choose, for Your glory.”
This is part of the “all in” nature of following God. As a christian, we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior. Salvation is free, but the Lordship part means we give Him control. This might seem scary, but we need to put aside any stereotype that comes to mind. It’s not like we forevermore put aside any thing that gives us pleasure. This is how a monk might have behaved. The more one would put aside his joys, the holier he was. This was not of God. Knowing the will of God and our own imaginations represents some of the struggles that a young believer may have.
One way to determine if something is of God is to apply the joy test. First off, God wants us to be joyful. Psalms 16:11 “You will make known to me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever.” If we think that God is asking us to do something, in the end it should make us more joyful. If it doesn’t it may not be God. There may be some initial resistance, but in the end we are better for it.
The bible is our guide. That and good church teaching and associating with godly people is how we become familiar with what He wants.
Let’s look at this in a positive sense. Instead of thinking that we don’t always get to do what we want. The right way to see this is that we have the best life coach. Some pay big bucks for advice. Companies need their consultants. God is the greatest wisdom of the universe. Sit through a biology class and learn the intricacies of anything living and we would be amazed. The design of all life is so complex, that we marvel. God not only brings that brilliance to our daily lives, but His love. He wants better things for us than we want for ourselves. This breeds trust.
At the beginning of our day, dedicate it to Him. Rest in His wisdom and love. Ask Him to use You to help others and hold on. For you will be blessed by the cool things that He does. Lord, thank You that You want to be involved with us. Thanks for all the cool things You do. Help us to be a blessing to others.
Let’s look at this in a positive sense. Instead of thinking that we don’t always get to do what we want. The right way to see this is that we have the best life coach. Some pay big bucks for advice. Companies need their consultants. God is the greatest wisdom of the universe. Sit through a biology class and learn the intricacies of anything living and we would be amazed. The design of all life is so complex, that we marvel. God not only brings that brilliance to our daily lives, but His love. He wants better things for us than we want for ourselves. This breeds trust.
At the beginning of our day, dedicate it to Him. Rest in His wisdom and love. Ask Him to use You to help others and hold on. For you will be blessed by the cool things that He does. Lord, thank You that You want to be involved with us. Thanks for all the cool things You do. Help us to be a blessing to others.