FIRST BORN, FIRST TARGET

A Deep Thoughts Devotional Story
© Opeyemi Akintunde
As Inspired by the LIVING WORD

Tolu had always wondered why life seemed tougher for him than for his younger siblings. Every effort he made to rise felt like an uphill battle delayed breakthroughs, constant disappointment, and unexplainable resistance.

One night, he had a dream: he and his siblings were standing in a line waiting to receive blessings. Suddenly, a dark figure appeared and hurled a fiery arrow. It struck Tolu, the one standing first and instantly, his siblings scattered in fear.

He woke up trembling. The dream revealed a spiritual truth, the first is often the first target.

Beloved, the firstborn carries both the promise and the pressure of a family. Spiritually, they often represent the gate through which blessings or battles flow. When God sent judgment to Egypt, it was the first sons who were struck (Exodus 12:29). The enemy understands that to cripple a lineage, all he needs is to wound the firstborn, the one who sets the pace.

Look through Scripture:

Cain, the firstborn, lost his place to Abel.

Ishmael was first, yet Isaac inherited the promise.

Esau was first, yet Jacob received the blessing.

Reuben was first, but Joseph carried the glory.

Manasseh was first, but God placed His right hand on Ephraim.

But thank God, there is hope!
After the plague of Egypt, God commanded the Israelites to redeem every firstborn unto Him, to signify ownership and divine covering (Exodus 13:2).

And today, as believers, we have something greater, Jesus Christ, the Firstborn of all creation (Colossians 1:15), was sacrificed once and for all. His blood speaks redemption over every firstborn who comes under His lordship.

So, if you are a firstborn, don’t live in fear. Instead, live in covenant. Dedicate your life to God and constantly remind the enemy that the Firstborn of Heaven. Jesus already paid your price.

You are no longer the first target for destruction, but the first candidate for distinction.

KEY SCRIPTURE:
Exodus 13:2 – “Consecrate to me every firstborn male. The first offspring of every womb among the Israelites belongs to me, whether human or animal.”

PRAYER POINTS:
1️⃣ Lord, as a firstborn, I dedicate myself to You — let Your mark of protection rest upon me.
2️⃣ Every arrow targeted at the firstborns in my family, return to sender in Jesus’ name.
3️⃣ Father, let the sacrifice of Jesus, the Firstborn of Heaven, continually speak redemption and victory over my life.
4️⃣ I decree: I am not the first target for evil; I am the first candidate for greatness, in Jesus’ name.

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