The First Born Belongs
Jesus said that those born of the spirit are born again and born of God. Being born of God means you belong to Him.
“Appoint Aaron and his sons to serve as priests...The Lord also said to Moses, “I have taken the Levites from among the Israelites in place of the first male offspring of every Israelite woman. The Levites are mine, for all the firstborn are mine. When I struck down all the firstborn in Egypt, I set apart for myself every firstborn in Israel, whether human or animal. They are to be mine. I am the Lord.”
Numbers 3:10-13
God set aside the tribe of Levi, or the Levites, to be His royal priests. They were His chosen people that He set apart to do His will. Their role was defined by God as they were dedicated to Him. One could look at this as a responsibility or as a sacred relationship.
Consider what it means to belong to God in this story and in ours. It means that they were especially close to Him, they were equipped and empowered, and they experienced God in a special way. One belonging to God has the protection, the provision, and the presence of God. Those set apart gain far more than whatever sacrifice is involved to serve.
In the New Testament, Peter calls those who believe in Christ a royal priesthood, a chosen people, and a people for God's own possession. It is by faith that we step into this new identity. What does it mean to you to be His royal priest and how has God empowered you to do His will as one set apart to Him?
“I call on the Lord in my distress, and he answers me. Too long have I lived among those who hate peace. I am for peace; but when I speak, they are for war.”
Psalms 120:1, 6-7
Who do you call when you are in need? If you have a flat tire, hard day, or need some help. David called on the Lord in his distress and he saw God answer. Do you ever wonder why? David had servants and others that he could ask for help. Why did He turn to God? What was it that gave David the confidence to call on God?
David had faith that he belonged to God, that God cared about him personally, that God had the power to answer, and that the very nature of God was faithful compassion to those in need. What do you believe? Do you believe that God sees you, knows you, cares about you, and wants to deepen your relationship? How do your actions reflect this belief?
“The mouths of fools are their undoing, and their lips are a snare to their very lives. Before a downfall the heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor. To answer before listening— that is folly and shame."
Proverbs 18:7, 9, 12-13, 21
What does a healthy relationship look like? How would you describe what it means to be a good friend? Being a trusted friend involves sharing your life, listening, and spending time together.
Solomon says there is a contrast between wisdom and foolishness that will impact your relationships, particularly your relationship with God. How much time do you spend talking and how much time do you spend listening to in any of your relationships? Would people describe you as a good listener? How would you evaluate these in terms of your relationship with God?
Our world is not great at listening. We live in a very loud culture with a lot of distractions. It takes faith to listen. What type of environment helps you best listen? Listening is a sacrifice of the tongue that sacrifices our pride and fear. Wisdom says slow down and learn to listen to God.
“Your wound is as deep as the sea. Who can heal you? The Lord has done what he planned; he has fulfilled his word, which he decreed long ago. Arise, cry out in the night, as the watches of the night begin; pour out your heart like water in the presence of the Lord."
Lamentations 2:13, 17, 19
Jeremiah calls the people to see clearly. He wanted to help the people see their need for healing and that there will be times they need help. The watches of the night are the times when things are darkest and most difficult. It is hard to see clearly in the night. In those moments, Jeremiah says pour your heart like water to the Lord. Is there anything on your heart that you need to pour out?
There is a time to listen and a time to cry out. God makes everything beautiful in its time as we recognize that all time and all of us belong to God. It is by faith that we pour out our hearts to God believing He will bring us healing, help, and hope.
“What does Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” Now to the one who works, wages are not credited as a gift but as an obligation...Blessed are those whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord will never count against them...It was not through the law that Abraham and his offspring received the promise that he would be heir of the world, but through the righteousness that comes by faith. Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised. but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead."
Romans 4:3-5, 7-8, 13, 19-21, 24-25
Paul sought to persuade each person of who they were to God and how it is by faith in Jesus that they would become who they were made to be. He specifically calls out that it is not by one's performance according to the rules of the law that makes a person in right standing or set apart for God. He knows what it was to have tried to work for salvation. He knows what it was to serve out of obligation and justify oneself through performance. There is no freedom in obligation, rather a fear of failure that can permeate each daily duty. Do you ever feel like you have not done enough, are not good enough, or struggle with feeling right with God?
Paul says salvation is a gift. Salvation is the generous gift of a generous God who loves so unconditionally that He sent His only Son that whoever believes will not perish, but have eternal life. He says it is by faith in Christ alone that we are set apart, redeemed, set free, and empowered to serve as His chosen people. What does that mean to you and to me? It means we belong to God. We are His and He is ours. He is our portion and we are His inheritance. As you are born again, by faith in Christ, consider how much you mean to God and the sacred responsibility we are given as sons and daughters of our Father in Heaven.