The firstborn devotional by Maryline Okoba - HTML preview

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Firstborn’s Devotional

FOREWORD ……………………………………………………………………………………………2

BEING FIRST …………………………………………………………………….…………………….3

WE BELONG TO GOD……………………………………………………………………………….5

YOU ARE FIRST OF ONE’S STRENGTH……………………………………….…………….……..7

DOUBLE PORTION…………………………………………………………………….…….……….9

BIRTHRIGHT………………………………………………………………………………….……….11

EXCELLENCE……………………………………………………………….……………….……….13

TRUST………………………………………………………………………………………….……..15

KINGSHIP……………………………………………………………….………………….……….16

PRIESTHOOD………………………………………………………………….………….………..18

INFLUENCE……………………………………………………………………………..…….…….19

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FOREWORD

This devotional has been curated for firstborns to help them navigate their responsibilities and the unique challenges they encounter while building up their faith. We explore scriptures to understand the significance and purpose of being a firstborn while fixing our eyes on Christ.

A firstborn is someone that everyone looks up to set and pave the way and thus it can be a rough, overwhelming, heartbreaking assignment this devotional should help as you navigate the responsibilities and everything that comes along with it.

Being first is often described as preceding others, beginning, thus can refer coming before others depending on position, time, and order according to many English dictionaries but in our context we shall use the bible in understanding the significance of being first which refers to the womb opener, the firstborn.

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BEING FIRST

It is often said that a life without purpose is empty and many times we seek answers to our purpose and how it will impact generations or the world. We desire to be recognized for our efforts and when it is not we battle with self-doubt and this mirrors the life of a firstborn.

Do you know that being a firstborn is serving a purpose? Are you in the know, that it matters that you are first? To understand being first you have to know your beginning and your anchor who is Christ Jesus, you may be born of men but only Christ can give you revelation of who you ought to be as a firstborn hence Being First is a purpose.

Being first always means people look up to you, and you are expected to hold yourself to a

given standard.

However, we

don’t know who

to look up to

because we are

always figuring

things out and

paving the way

for others.

Today, our

devotional

focuses on Christ as our example in being a firstborn and our pacesetter. Being a firstborn shouldn’t be a journey you have to walk alone and Christ is the reminder we are not alone.

Colossians 1:15-18 NKJV

[15] He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. [16]

For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers.

All things were created through Him and for Him. [17] And He is before all 4

things, and in Him all things consist. [18] And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence.

https://bible.com/bible/114/col.1.15-18.NKJV

Lessons

 Purpose is rooted and found in Christ not just through physical birth In Colossians, we see Christ as a firstborn from all creation but also first from the dead and derive purpose from him being first, that is creation and redemption which tells me and you that his life had a purpose which could only be fulfilled through him.

 Christ as a firstborn showcases attributes of God the father Christ as a firstborn is a reflection and a spitting image of God thus even the attributes of God are seen through him thus we get to know God the Father.

 Christ being first saw systems established.

Through Christ being first systems are created and put in place visible and invisible by him and for him.

What lessons have you picked?

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Prayer

 Pray for God to help you discover the purpose you serve in your family whether visible and invisible.

 Pray that as systems are established they will be the right and healthy ones that facilitate you to grow and thrive.

 Pray that we shall present the right and correct image that is a reflection of Christ being First.

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WE BELONG TO GOD

The history and the layout of the life of a firstborn is seen in the bible through the Israelites, God always had and continues to have intentionality with the firstborn Child and this becomes evident when he kills the Egyptians' firstborn of man and animal. This act speaks volumes about God’s plan and brings a realization that being a firstborn is a very unique position that should be valued despite what is happening around you.

As a firstborn figuring life outside of God is very vain and we can see it through Cain and Esau their best efforts were discarded and hence to thrive as a firstborn and find fulfillment find yourself in God.

Our devotional today focuses on belonging to God as consecrated beings and we can see this when God deals with the Egyptians and the children of Israel.

Leviticus 27:26 NKJV

[26] ‘But the firstborn of the animals,

which should be the Lord’s firstborn,

no man shall dedicate; whether it is

an ox or sheep, it is the Lord’s.

https://bible.com/bible/114/lev.27.26.NKJV

Exodus 13:15 NKJV

[15] And it came to pass, when Pharaoh was stubborn about letting us go, that the Lord killed 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 males that open the womb, but all the firstborn of my sons I redeem.’

https://bible.com/bible/114/exo.13.15.NKJV

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Numbers 8:17 NKJV

[17] For all the firstborn among the children of Israel are Mine, both man and beast; on the day that I struck all the firstborn in the land of Egypt I sanctified them to Myself.

https://bible.com/bible/114/num.8.17.NKJV

Lessons

 We service an altar for we were offered as a sacrifice to the Lord and belong to God.

When God killed the Egyptians’’ children because of pharaoh’s stubbornness firstborns were dedicated to God.

 We are preserved of the Lord through the act in Egypt.

The act of painting the Israelites doors with the blood of the lamb preserved their firstborns thus god sanctified the firstborns for Himself.

What lessons have you picked?

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Prayer Journal

 Pray that you will serve the altar of the Lord by dedicating yourself to God.

 Pray for the continuous preservation of your life and purpose as a firstborn.

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THE FIRST OF ONE’S STRENGTH

As Israel blessed his children there was a distinction on the firstborn Reuben though he had fallen short. He describes him as his strength and a child of his vigorous youth, the first in Rank and Power. The firstborn is a sign of his father’s strength and thus when Israel sinned God allowed them to pollute themselves by sacrificing their firstborn children.

The curse over Jericho which was the first town that the children of Israel brought down and was given as a sacrifice to God the men that tried to rebuild it set the foundation at the death of their firstborn child.

This showcases how a firstborn is a symbol of one’s strength, pride, and joy, for they carry the attributes of their father.

Our devotional today outlines firstborns as people who symbolize strength and foundation and they can bring great desolation if they walk out of God’s will.

Genesis 49:3 NKJV

[3] “Reuben, you are my firstborn, My might and the beginning of my strength, The excellency of dignity and the excellency of power.

https://bible.com/bible/114/gen.49.3.NKJV

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Deuteronomy 21:17 NKJV

[17] But he shall acknowledge the son of the unloved wife as the firstborn by giving him a double portion of all that he has, for he is the beginning of his strength; the right of the firstborn is his.

https://bible.com/bible/114/deu.21.17.NKJV

Ezekiel 20:26 NKJV

[26] and I pronounced them unclean because of their ritual gifts, in that they caused all their firstborn to pass through the fire, that I might make them desolate and that they might know that I am the Lord.” ’

https://bible.com/bible/114/ezk.20.26.NKJV

Joshua 6:26 NKJV

[26] Then Joshua charged them at that time, saying, “Cursed be the man before the Lord who rises up and builds this city Jericho; he shall lay its foundation with his firstborn, and with his youngest he shall set up its gates.”

https://bible.com/bible/114/jos.6.26.NKJV

Lessons

 We are the beginning and a symbol of strength just as begetting a wife is the favor

 Being out of God’s will leads to destruction.

Loss of a firstborn is desolation thus there was a great cry in Egypt when God slayed the firstborn children man and beast.

 We are a foundation that men build on.

What lessons have you picked?

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Prayer Journal

 As a symbol of strength, men shall draw from that well thrive, and arise from difficult situations.

 Pray that the foundation laid through you shall be firm just like Christ our firm foundation.

 Pray that we shall not be used to bring desolation and destruction.

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DOUBLE-PORTION

In the Jewish culture, a firstborn was known by the inheritance they received which was double in measure and thus a firstborn carries a double portion inheritance in good and bad. Double portion is seen not just in the physical inheritance but attributes too for firstborns carry a legacy of their families and they are patterns that showcase this like deceit which we see from Abraham to Isaac to Jacob and as it moved down the generations it grew this can also be seen in their wealth the same pattern.

This attribute indicates that we have the power to achieve and attain whatever we set our minds on and whatever challenges we face we can concur it because we have double endurance, patience, grace, resilience, integrity, and faithfulness which makes us special and stand out.

Our devotional today focuses on firstborns as carriers of double portion in the physical and spiritual dimensions and how mishandling it may cost you heavily.

Deuteronomy 21:17 NKJV

[17] But he shall acknowledge the son of the unloved wife as the firstborn by giving him a double portion of all that he has, for he is the beginning of his strength; the right of the firstborn is his.

https://bible.com/bible/114/deu.21.17.NKJV

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Ezekiel 47:13 NKJV

[13] Thus says the Lord God: “These are the borders by which you shall divide the land as an inheritance among the twelve tribes of Israel. Joseph shall have two portions.

https://bible.com/bible/114/ezk.47.13.NKJV

Lessons

 Double portion is a right and a responsibility bestowed upon a firstborn child.

The double portion is a right that can’t be taken from you even if you are not loved it won’t change since you are first.

 Mishandling your position as a firstborn may cost you your inheritance.

The double portion is tied to how you handle you being first Rueben lost it to Joseph for sleeping with his father’s maid.

What lessons have you picked?

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Prayer Journal

 Pray that your inheritance shall not be given to others because you fell short

 Pray for redemption and preservation of your inheritance.

 Pray that you shall not be a hindrance to your inheritance but a good steward of it.

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BIRTH RIGHT

Birth Right is the position you hold accord to when you are born and it automatically gives you certain responsibilities and opportunities and according to the Israelites, it was a desirable position that accorded you certain blessings.

A birthright can shift your destiny as it did for Reuben and Esau for their birthright was taken from them because of different reasons. Reuben defiled his father’s bed while Esau despised his birthright and am ascertain that most of us as Firstborns are guilty of despising our positions due to different Circumstances e.g.

economical, emotional, and perceptions you name it and in today’s devotional we are reminded that our birth Right is not just a position but a responsibility and a privilege and it is significant so we ought to carry it with the same revelation.

I Chronicles 5:1 NKJV

[1] Now the sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel—he was indeed the firstborn, but because he defiled his father’s bed, his birthright was given to the sons of Joseph, the son of Israel, so that the genealogy is not listed according to the birthright;

https://bible.com/bible/114/1ch.5.1.NKJV

Genesis 43:33 NKJV

[33] And they sat before him, the firstborn according to his birthright and the youngest according to his youth; and the men looked in astonishment at one another.

https://bible.com/bible/114/gen.43.33.NKJV

Lessons

 My Birth Right is significant and carries responsibility, blessings and opportunities

 I should not despise my birthright for it can make or break my destiny.

What lessons have you Picked?

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Prayer journal

 Pray that may God forgive you where you have despised your birthright

 Pray that you shall carry out the responsibilities that define your birth right with grace and thanksgiving.

 Pray that the Lord shall equip you to discharge responsibilities and unlock opportunities tied to your birth right.

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EXCELLENCY OF DIGNITY AND POWER

When Israel was speaking and blessing Reuben it portrayed him as the excellence of dignity and power. Dignity refers to respect in matters of character and Leadership showcases being noble while Power refers to authority, influence, and control, these are capabilities that a firstborn possesses which we see in Reuben but couldn’t be realized because he defiled his father’s bed while Christ Jesus showcases what dignity and power are when He redeems mankind from death and takes away authority from Satan.

Today’s devotional showcases how as a firstborn you carry the excellence of noble character and the power and authority of the father.

Genesis 49:3 NKJV

[3] “Reuben, you are my firstborn, My might and the beginning of my strength, The excellency of dignity and the excellency of power.

https://bible.com/bible/114/gen.49.3.NKJV

Matthew 28:18-20 NKJV

[18] And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. [19] Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, [20] teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.

https://bible.com/bible/114/mat.28.18-20.NKJV

Lessons

 We carry the excellence of dignity which is defined through character and respect.

 We carry the excellence of power that is seen through authority, control and influence which reflects God.

Lessons Learnt

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Prayer Journal

 Pray that you shall showcase the excellence of dignity through your character and uphold it.

 Pray that you shall show forth the excellence of authority which is just, kind and full of integrity.

 Pray that the grace of Excellence is unlocked upon your life.

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TRUST

Responsibilities are often accorded to people who are reliable and that is achieved through trust. Legacies and powerful kingdoms are built by trustworthy men and Firstborns are accorded responsibilities because they can be trusted to fulfill them despite challenges.

Our devotional today focuses on Firstborns as individuals who can be trusted and be sent. Christ was given the responsibility to come and deliver mankind and he lived and interacted with man though he didn’t sin and became the perfect Sacrifice on the cross and fulfilled the desire of God the Father to redeem mankind. Joseph was a firstborn who was entrusted in a foreign land to ensure people were fed during a famine of seven years. The baking of bread used for offerings was entrusted to a firstborn.

These examples speak volumes concerning Trust as a value that a firstborn offers that allows them to fulfill the hardest tasks and situations in their lives I Chronicles 9:31 NKJV

[31] Mattithiah of the Levites, the firstborn of Shallum the Korahite, had the trusted office over the things that were baked in the pans.

https://bible.com/bible/114/1ch.9.31.NKJV

Genesis 41:40-41 NKJV

[40] You shall be over my house, and all my people shall be ruled according to your word; only in regard to the throne will I be greater than you.” [41] And Pharaoh said to Joseph, “See, I have set you over all the land of Egypt.”

https://bible.com/bible/114/gen.41.40-41.NKJV

Galatians 4:4-5 NKJV

[4] But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, [5] to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.

https://bible.com/bible/114/gal.4.4-5.NKJV

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Lessons

 Trust is important for you to fulfill responsibilities and achieved through consistency, reliability and being a good steward.

 Trust is seen through integrity, intelligence and perseverance.

Lessons picked

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Prayer Journal

 Pray that you shall be a trusted steward

 Pray that the Holy Spirit will help in building the fruit.

 Pray for perseverance and the knowledge of Christ.

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KINGSHIP

The excellency of power showcases authority which is Kingship and a firstborn is entrusted with the Throne Over and over again Rueben's life is a fall from grace for the Kingdom was taken from him, Esau despising his birthright took nations from him and We see Joseph taking the portion of Kingship and Judah being given the Scepter of Ruling because his elder brothers failed.

Today’s devotional reminds us that we have been given Kingdoms in our possession and thus we have to exercise the right rulership.

I Chronicles 5:1-2 NKJV

[1] Now the sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel—he was indeed the firstborn, but because he defiled his father’s bed, his birthright was given to the sons of Joseph, the son of Israel, so that the genealogy is not listed according to the birthright; [2] yet Judah prevailed over his brothers, and from him came a ruler, although the birthright was Joseph’s—

https://bible.com/bible/114/1ch.5.1-2.NKJV

Genesis 27:37 NKJV

[37] Then Isaac answered and said to Esau, “Indeed I have made him your master, and all his brethren I have given to him as servants; with grain and wine I have sustained him. What shall I do now for you, my son?”

https://bible.com/bible/114/gen.27.37.NKJV

Lessons

 We oversee over thrones and nations

 Lack of discernment may cost you the throne.

 Know the God kingdom principles for being a King.

Lessons Learnt

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Prayer Journal

 Pray for the wisdom to rule and oversee

 Pray for the ability to make right decisions and wisdom to rule

 Pray for the holy spirit and the evidence of him in your life 22

PRIESTHOOD

Being a priest calls for one to uphold high standards of honor and this is seen in Aaron who God gave the priesthood. Aaron was the eldest and the firstborn but God gave Moses the task of delivering the children of Israel out of Egypt and because he was a stammer Aaron was his spokesperson but he brings forth an attribute that only a firstborn can bear. He serves Moses his younger brother out of honor not because of a curse like Esau.

The lineage of a priest is from the Levites but Aaron’s house bore the priesthood thus showcasing the excellence of dignity.

Today’s devotional focuses on firstborns as Priests just like Christ who is a high priest and for one to be a priest that is an honor bestowed upon him and serves as a mediator between God and man.

Exodus 4:14-16 NKJV

[14] So the anger of the Lord was kindled against Moses, and He said: “Is not Aaron the Levite your brother? I know that he can speak well. And look, he is also coming out to meet you. When he sees you, he will be glad in his heart.

[15] Now you shall speak to him and put the words in his mouth. And I will be with your mouth and with his mouth, and I will teach you what you shall do.

[16] So he shall be your spokesman to the people. And he himself shall be as a mouth for you, and you shall be to him as God.

https://bible.com/bible/114/exo.4.14-16.NKJV

I Chronicles 23:13 NKJV

[13] The sons of Amram: Aaron and Moses; and Aaron was set apart, he and his sons forever, that he should sanctify the most holy things, to burn incense before the Lord, to minister to Him, and to give the blessing in His name forever. https://bible.com/bible/114/1ch.23.13.NKJV

Lessons

 Being a priest is a call that requires honor and a meek spirit.

 Being a priest is being a meditator and a servant.

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Lessons Learnt

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Prayer Journal

 Prayer that you shall be an individual of honor and humility

 Pray for a heart of dedication

 Pray for righteousness

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INFLUENCE

Being an influential person denotes that you are able to change or turn people’s perspectives and views. As a firstborn you are influential in nature and thus it helps in family structures and cycles. Reuben was a firstborn when he’s s brothers had it out for Joseph he influenced them not to kill him whether it was to make right the wrong he had done to his father Israel we may never know but his siblings listened. Christ our ultimate example while on the cross he instructs his brothers to take care of their mother and they do so. Abraham and Isaac we see them being very influential in a foreign land that they were sojourners and even signing treaties with Kings.

Today’s devotional is here to tell you that you have influence as a firstborn. Don’t let doubt or imposter syndrome take that from you. We said Jesus Christ is our Ultimate example, and it's true that we see his influence even in ministry, so hold on and press on. God has got you.

Genesis 37:21-22 NKJV

[21] But Reuben heard it, and he delivered him out of their hands, and said,

“Let us not kill him.” [22] And Reuben said to them, “Shed no blood, but cast him into this pit which is in the wilderness, and do not lay a hand on him” —

that he might deliver him out of their hands, and bring him back to his father.

https://bible.com/bible/114/gen.37.21-22.NKJV

John 19:26-27 NKJV

[26] When Jesus therefore saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing by, He said to His mother, “Woman, behold your son!” [27] Then He said to the disciple, “Behold your mother!” And from that hour that disc iple took her to his own home. https://bible.com/bible/114/jhn.19.26-27.NKJV

Genesis 26:13, 16 NKJV

[13] The man began to prosper, and continued prospering until he became very prosperous; [16] And Abimelech said to Isaac, “Go away from us, for you are much mightier than we.” https://bible.com/bible/114/gen.26.13-16.NKJV

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Lessons

 Influence can change the outcomes of a situation

 Influence spurs greatness

 Influence is an outcome of good mentorship.

Lessons Learnt

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Prayers

 Pray that your influence will spur greatness and create a positive impact.

 Pray that your eyes will be opened to see the impact you make and if it is destructive may god redirect your steps

 Pray that with your influence you shall draw men to God and not yourself.

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