PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Exodus 11-12
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“Every firstborn son in Egypt will die…” (Exodus 11:5)
In ancient times, the firstborn son was the heir, the future of the family.
In the Moses Law, the firstborn – human and animal – was dedicated to God.
The Levites were dedicated to God in place of the firstborn (Numbers 3:40ff).
Every firstborn was to be redeemed (payed for) with a sacrifice (Exodus 34:20).
Through the death of the firstborn, we see God’s primacy (firstness) over our life.
God is not being mean; God is cutting off the future of wickedness in the world.
Pharoah and Egypt represent violence, oppression, cruelty… they must be stopped.
In Genesis 3, Satan enslaves God’s firstborn son, and Eden’s future is cursed.
But Satan and sin are robbed of their future when God’s ‘firstborn’ son reclaims the throne.
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)
Through the death of God’s firstborn son, we see God’s way of ending wickedness.
God doesn’t just demand justice, God takes it for us so that we do not need to die.
If Pharoah had believed, he would have found this out… can we believe it?
PRAYER
Lord, sin robs us of our future (what the firstborn represents). But you rob sin of its future, to give us our future back. Thank you for restoring our inheritance as God’s children!
I’m a firstborn – if I was born in Egypt of an Egyptian family at the time of the Exodus – I would have died. If I was born in a Israelite home and my parents were faithful in following Moses’ instruction – I would have lived. One day I will die – but by believing, trusting in God’s firstborn and only son, Jesus my Saviour, death will not have the last word – I will be translated to be with God – by believing. The Egyptians refused – until they lost their firstborn children, firstborn animals – then it was a rush and a push to get the Israelites out. Yet the scripture says that many of Pharaoh’s officials respected Moses and that the people were favourably disposed to the Israelites – seems odd to me – I think they would be eager to get rid of the Israelites as they were a threat to their own livelihood. Even Pharaoh asks Moses for a blessing – he finally submits – but for how long??
Do this and live. That is what the Master said. Live and do this is what Jesus told the people. God also told His people in Egypt land the same. After living there 430 years He gave His people new life. Freedom to live for Him if they but obey His instructions. The same is true today – live for Jesus a life that is true to Him for that is the way to true living. As then, also today, I need to do as He has commanded in His Word to have true life. Life eternal.
Thy Word Is A Lamp Unto My Feet
And A Light Unto My Path [2]
When I Feel Afraid
And I Think I’ve Lost My Way
Still You’re There Right Beside Me
Nothing Will I Fear
As Long As You Are Near
Please Be Near Me To The End
Thy Word Is A Lamp Unto My Feet
And A Light Unto My Path [2]
I Will Not Forget
Your Love For Me And Yet
My Heart Forever Is Wandering
Jesus Be My Guide
And Hold Me To Your Side
I Will Love You To The End
Thy Word Is A Lamp Unto My Feet
And A Light Unto My Path [2]
When I Feel Afraid
And I Think I’ve Lost My Way
Still You’re There Right Beside Me
Nothing Will I Fear
As Long As You Are Near
Please Be Near Me To The End