Set Apart

O.T. "Set Apart"
Nov. 11, 2013
Exodus 13-Part 1
Sanctify unto me all the firstborn...  Exodus 13:2

LET IT GLOW

In my cabinet is a set of red dishes, mugs and dessert plates, set apart for use at Christmastime. That is the only time that I use them. They are special to me because they say, "Jesus is the gift-peace, love, joy." The Israelites were to set apart something for God. Read on to find out what.

After a night of deliverance, the LORD gave Moses further instructions, which was apparently given on the first day of freedom at Succoth. This was the birth of a new nation, God's nation-Israel. It was a new nation under God.

The day that gave them a national existence and introduced them into the privileges of independence and freedom, deserved to live in the memories of the Hebrews and their posterity,... (Jamieson, Fausset, Brown Commentary)

Don't you like new things, new clothes, new ideas, a new year?
In Revelation, Jesus tells us that He will make new:

• all things (21:5);
• heaven and earth (Rev. 21:1);
• our name (2:17);
• Jerusalem (3:12);
• a song (14:3);
• heart and spirit (Ez. 18:31);
• mercies every morning (Lam. 3:23).

It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is thy faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23

Israel did not disappear while they were in Egypt, though they could have. No, God multiplied them from 70 to 2 million. It is because of His mercies that they exited their slavery. For all of them, it was the only life they knew, except Moses.
Do you want a new heart? Repent and turn from all your sins and turn to Jesus. (Ez. 18:30)

LET IT GROW

What did the LORD tell Moses?
Sanctify the firstborn of man and beast. Young's Concordance says sanctify means to separate, set apart. Strong's Concordance says sanctify means to be, make, pronounce, or observe holy, clean (ceremonially or morally); consecrate, dedicate, hallow; be/keep holy.

What is the purpose of sanctifying the firstborn man and beast?

1. Israel was God's firstborn (4:22), and it honored that fact.
2. The firstborn was thought to be the best, and the best was always given to God.
3. It was to be a reminder to all generations of when God redeemed Israel, His firstborn. (Guzik)

Even as God claimed the lives of the Egyptian firstborn, so he placed a similar claim upon Israel.
As the Egyptian firstborns were required, so the Israelite firstborns were to be given to the Lord's service. God could have taken them in the same manner, but His mercy did not. The Passover meal was eaten in remembrance of their deliverance from death and bondage. Christians remember the resurrection of Christ, for we were raised up with Christ out of death's house of bondage to sin.

Do we set apart Sunday as our day of worship, sanctifying it as unto the Lord Jesus?
Do we honor God with our first fruits, through offerings?
Do we give God our best?

LET IT GO

Leave those things that have us in bondage at the feet of Jesus.

Renew my mind daily, asking His forgiveness of my sins.

*Thankful for those serving our country in the military and those who gave their lives for our freedom. Praying for our military and their families.