Observation: As the Lord defines who received the tithes of the people and how they are to be handled, he clarifies the dedication of the firstborn. This law applies to sons. Originally, the firstborn sons were redeemed by claiming Levi as the tribe in service to the Lord. Going forward, firstborn sons of all of Israel do indeed belong to the Lord, however they Lord says they are never to be accepted ... instead they are redeemed through a payment.
In this way, God continues to reveal both his supremacy among people, and his loving understanding of people. God has the authority to claim even our firstborn children. However, he has the love to not do so, and in fact to make it a law that the future priesthood must never do so. God can do whatever he likes to his creation and to his people, and what he decides to do is love us, care for us, and provide for us, even to the point of surrendering his own rights.
Application: God has already done everything for me by sacrificing his son for my life. However, I know he would do anything else I need. It is too amazing of a thought to even consider that the creator of the universe would do something for me, yet he does every day, even when it comes at a cost to him.
As a firstborn son, and a sinner, I cannot even comprehend how my life should be if not for God's love and mercy.
Prayer: Lord, I thank you for your love. It is by your grace that I was not dedicated to you at my birth, but I am dedicated to you now by my choice, as a freewill response to your love, kindness, goodness, greatness, and mercy. May I be used this day and every day to serve others in your name. Amen.
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