EXODUS 13:1-2

Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, “Consecrate to Me all the firstborn, whatever opens the

womb among the children of Israel, both of man and beast: it is Mine.”

A little boy told a friend that his father had bought him a new ball. “What’s it like?” his friend

wanted to know. “Well, it’s big and round,” the young boy said. “What else?” his friend inquired.

“It’s yellow with blue stripes.” the boy responded. “What else?” the friend continued. After a

moment of thought, the boy came up with the most special characteristic of all. “It’s mine!”

God made it very clear to Moses that every firstborn child of man or beast belonged to Him. He

said, “It’s Mine.” In one sense, everything belongs to God by right of creation. But He laid claim

to these firstborn children by right of redemption. Because God brought the people out of the

land of Egypt, the firstfruits of their loins and their livestock was to be set aside as His special

property.

Jesus Christ also lays claim to those whom He has redeemed. The apostle Paul told Titus that it

was Christ “who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and

purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works” (Titus 2:14).

As Jesus’ special purchase, delivered out of the slave market of sin, you are the most precious

thing in God’s creation. But this also gives you a special responsibility. Paul says, “For you were

bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s” (1 Cor.

6:20).

Have you settled the ownership issue in your life? The Bible says you don’t belong to yourself.

Christ bought you and He wants you to be His special possession. Remember whom you belong

to and give Him joy in all you do today.

YOU ARE SPECIAL NOT BECAUSE OF WHAT YOU OWN, BUT BECAUSE OF WHO

OWNS YOU.

WOODROW KROLL

www.backtothebible.in