Exodus 13:14-16
THE ISRAELITES were instructed to explain the meaning of redemption to their children. “And it shall be when thy son asketh thee in time to come, saying, What is this? that thou shalt say unto him: By strength of hand the LORD brought us out from Egypt, from the house of bondage: and it came to pass, when Pharaoh would hardly let us go, that the LORD slew all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both the firstborn of man, and the firstborn of beast; therefore I sacrifice to the LORD all that openeth the matrix, being males; but all the firstborn of my children I redeem.”
We can see that the Israelite pant was responsible before the Lord to place his child on the ground of redemption and to sanctify him, or, set him apart, unto the Lord as well. And this is an important lesson for Christian parents now. God in wonderful grace saves many a soul out of the darkness of this world, but there is a special blessing for Christian parents who bring their children, while they are young, to the throne of grace, and teach them of the Saviour who as God’s Lamb has died to redeem them. O that in Christian homes today parents were more faithful and diligent in seeking to bring up their children “in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.” Ephesians 6:4.
The setting apart of every beast unto the Lord would speak of the believer’s giving the Lord the first place in all the affairs of life. Giving Him the first place and the first fruits of all that He has blessed us with, will bring true happiness in our Christian life. If done in the spirit of grace and love to Him, it will not be burdensome but rather a joy. “The Lord shall open unto thee His good treasure,” (Deut. 28:12), was of old God’s promised reward for faithfulness to Himself, and it is the same for us today.
Redemption and the setting apart of the firstborn was to be a constant observance to the children of Israel. “And it shall be for a token upon thine hand, and for frontlets between thine eyes.” verse 16. We as God’s redeemed people ought ever to remember His goodness to us, and at the same time we should have recalled to our minds our responsibilities now to Him who has redeemed us at such a cost.
“For by strength of hand the Lord brought us forth out of Egypt.” verse 16. He would have His people remember too that they could not have done this by their own strength, but that it was only by His own mighty power that they were brought forth.
Rise, my soul, thy God directs thee,
Stranger hands no more impede;
Pass thou on, His hand protects thee,
Strength that has the captive freed.
Light divine surrounds thy going,
God Himself shall mark thy way;
Secret blessings richly flowing,
Lead to everlasting day.
Memory Verse “BUT THIS MAN, AFTER HE HAD OERED ONE SACRIFICE FOR SINS, Forever SAT DOWN ON THE RIGHT OF GOD.” Hebrews 10:12.
ML-05/25/1969