In what ways can Christians dedicate their "firsts" to God, as in Numbers 3:13? Foundational Verse: Numbers 3:13 “For every firstborn is Mine. On the day I struck down all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, I consecrated to Myself all the firstborn of Israel, both man and beast. They are Mine; I am the LORD.” The Principle Behind the Firsts • God claims ownership of the first and best, underscoring His absolute lordship. • The firstborn were redeemed by the Levites, foreshadowing Christ, the true Firstborn who redeems us (Colossians 1:18). • The principle is repeated beyond the Exodus: “Consecrate to Me every firstborn male” (Exodus 13:2). Firsts Still Matter for Believers • Jesus affirmed that “the Law” points to deeper realities fulfilled in Himself (Matthew 5:17). • Paul urges, “Present your bodies as a living sacrifice” (Romans 12:1)—our whole lives, beginning with the “first” moments and resources, belong to God. Practical Ways to Dedicate Our Firsts Today • First Day of the Week – Gather with the church on Sunday, following the pattern of the early believers (Acts 20:7). – Set aside an offering “on the first day of every week” (1 Corinthians 16:2). • First Moments of Each Day – Offer the morning in worship and Scripture (Psalm 5:3). – Invite God to order the rest of the day (Psalm 143:8). • First Income (Firstfruits) – Honor the Lord “with the firstfruits of all your harvest” (Proverbs 3:9). – Give systematically and cheerfully to gospel work and to the needy (2 Corinthians 9:6-7). • Firstborn Children – Dedicate children publicly to God’s purposes, following the spirit of Hannah with Samuel (1 Samuel 1:27-28). – Raise them in the discipline and instruction of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4). • First Harvest of Skills and Opportunities – When starting a new job, project, or season, commit it to God (Colossians 3:23-24). – Use initial influence to testify to Christ (Philippians 1:12-14). • First Response in Decision-Making – Seek God first, not as a last resort (Matthew 6:33). – Measure choices by Scripture before personal preference (Psalm 119:105). • First Love – Guard against losing the freshness of devotion (Revelation 2:4). – Regularly recall the gospel to keep Christ pre-eminent (Hebrews 12:2). Living the Firsts When the first portion is set apart, everything that follows is blessed (Romans 11:16). Dedicating our “firsts” is not legalistic duty but grateful recognition that every good gift already belongs to the Lord (James 1:17). |
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