Consecration and Sacrifice

Scripture: "Consecrate every firstborn male to Me, the firstborn from every womb among the Israelites, both man and domestic animal; it is Mine." ... "When the Lord brings you into the land of the Canaanites, as He swore to you and your fathers, and gives it to you, you are to present to the Lord every firstborn male of the womb. All firstborn offspring of the livestock you own that are males will be the Lord’s. You must redeem every firstborn of a donkey with a flock animal, but if you do not redeem it, break its neck. However, you must redeem every firstborn among your sons." Exodus 13:2,11-13

Observation: Upon leaving Egypt, the Lord gives a command to Moses ... to consecrate the firstborn of Israel to him. Moses passes this along to all of Israel as ... wait until we are in Canaan, then sacrifice the firstborn animals, make a special provision for donkey's, and sacrifice a different animal in place of the firstborn sons.

There is an interpretive leap between these two verses that is not clear. These interpretations include timing, the nature of 'consecration', and added provisions for alternatives. Now certainly if Moses is the one writing Exodus, then he isn't documenting a mistake he made. Instead, he must be documenting both God's words, and the right interpretation of those words, which may have been provided by God himself or may be reflective of Moses' understanding of God's nature.

God's nature is not to harm, but to provide. God also expects our faith and trust. By sacrificing firstborn animals, the Israelites demonstrate faith in God's provision. However, by redeeming their sons and consecrating them, God's mercy shines through while also reinforcing the communities dedication to God. If just the firstborn were dedicated to Yahweh and remain dedicated to him, the nation will remain strong in faith. Eventually, we know this falls apart, to the point that the dedication of Samuel will be viewed as a unique and special personal sacrifice from his mother.

Application: The Lord - who can demand everything of us - asks for so little ... and even that we often withhold. I fear that I may withhold from him. I try not to. I tithe, and I give my time, and I encourage my family in their faith and service. I seek to grow in his word daily.

However, I also know that I lose patience with people, fail to love others, grow angry over small matters, and do not seek his counsel on daily issues. I give him time, talent, and treasure, but not my life. It is myself - a firstborn son - I withhold.

Prayer: Once again this morning, Lord, I find myself wanting when it comes to listening to you in my daily walk. You are my Lord and my God. You have authority over me, yet I pretend I can decide my actions. I do wish to surrender to you. I know my life is in better hands when it is in your control, and not my own. Please guide me this day and every day. Amen.