Discussion: The Firstborn Son

I've been thinking a lot lately about the recurring concept of God's taking every firstborn son.  This idea bothers me much more now that I have a son of my own than it ever did before.

My son's first birthday is in three days.  He's almost been with us for a year, but I can't imagine life without him.  He is precious to me in a way that nobody and nothing else can ever be.  Even when he distracts me away from important work, I cannot help but love him.  How could I give him away?  How could I sacrifice him on the altar, as Abraham was asked to do with Isaac?  I couldn't.

Because I am not an Israelite, my firstborn is not set apart the way a firstborn Israelite would have been.  Because I am not living in ancient Egypt, my son was not taken at the Passover.  For this, I am grateful.

How can I trust a God who kills innocent children?  How can I believe He is all-loving if He sent the angel of death to take the lives of all firstborns in Egypt?  How can I believe that He will save me if He did not save those baby boys?  Or should I consider their premature death to be a form of salvation since it prevented them from ever engaging in the sins of their fathers?

I do give my son to the Lord, but only in the way of teaching and upbringing.  As far as sacrificing his life for the Lord, he will have to learn to do that on his own terms, as do we all.  I pray every day for my son to know his Lord and Savior.  I pray that he will grow up in a more free and productive society.  I pray that the others in his life will be helpful and encouraging, and that he will be those things for them as well.  I pray that he will one day know the joy of having a son of his own.

Question of the Day:
Do you have any children?  If so, go back and read the Passover and the laws about firstborn children being given to the Lord.  How do your thoughts about these Scriptures change because of your own children?

Prayer of the Day:
Lord, be with all the children of the world and help them to see Your face.  Help the world's fathers and mothers be more intimately active in our children's lives.  Provide nourishment for all children, rich or poor, and keep them healthy and safe.  Do not take your eyes away from our children, especially when we take our own eyes away from them.  Amen.