Oct 30 – As Firstfruits!

“These were redeemed from among men, being firstfruits to God and to the Lamb.” (Revelation 14:4)

To stand with the Lamb on Mount Zion is a blessing beyond compare. Our earthly life is a preparation for that glorious eternal life. Let us consider who are those who will be counted worthy to stand with the Lamb there.

They Are the Redeemed. The Scripture says that they were redeemed from among men as firstfruits to God and to the Lamb (Revelation 14:4).

Yes, the Lord paid the price for you at Calvary and made you His own.

Therefore, you no longer belong to yourself. Just as the Israelites were redeemed from Egypt through the blood of the Passover lamb, you have been redeemed through the precious blood of Christ shed at Calvary.

Therefore, separate yourself from the desires of the world, the friendships and attachments of the world, and the ways and patterns of the world. Surrender yourself to live a holy and consecrated life.

Many people try so hard to please others that, in the process, they end up grieving the Lord. Nothing—not even family relationships or human affection—should come between you and your commitment to follow and please Christ. Lord Jesus said: “He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me.” (Matthew 10:37)

This does not mean that we should not love our families. Rather, it means that Christ must have the first place in our lives. No earthly relationship should take the place that belongs to Him.

Those who have been redeemed by God must understand the necessity of living a life of separation.

From the very beginning of creation, God established the principle of separation. He separated light from darkness and distinguished the waters from one another (Genesis 1:4, 6).

The Lord also brought this principle of separation into Abraham’s life. He said to Abraham: “Get out of your country, from your family and from your father’s house, to a land that I will show you.” (Genesis 12:1)

Look at how God progressively separated Abraham for His purposes.

• God separated Abraham from his homeland and his relatives.
• He separated him from Lot and Lot’s household.
• He separated him from Hagar and Ishmael.
• He tested him by asking him to surrender Isaac—the son he loved dearly. Abraham had to place everything that was precious to him upon the altar.

God was not merely taking things away from Abraham. He was teaching Abraham that nothing could occupy the place that belonged to God alone.

Children of God, never forget this truth. You have been purchased at a price. You belong to Christ. Therefore, you are called to live a holy and consecrated life.

Verse for further meditation: “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God.” (Revelation 21:3)