Linked With the Redeemer - All The LORD is near Daily Devotionals for 2026

Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead.
Revelation 1:5

Linked With the Redeemer
The Creator-God cannot die, but He stepped into manhood in order to die for God's glory, as the whole human race had dishonored Him. The Lord Jesus entered the world He had created, where "all have sinned" (Rom. 3:23) and the whole creation suffers (8:22), but He honored God. He also came to die—once the appointed time had come—as the ultimate Sacrifice to glorify God and for our salvation.

Luke put all these things in their actual historic and geographic context. He told how the Savior-God came into the world at that exact time, born in the city of David, Bethlehem, meaning "house of bread," for He is "the Bread of Life" (Jn. 6:35).

The Virgin Mary was betrothed to marry Joseph. Still a virgin, she became pregnant through a work of the Holy Spirit (Mt. 1:18). When the day had come, "she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths" (Lk. 2:7). "Firstborn" means the first of more to follow later. Indeed, afterwards, Mary and Joseph had sons and daughters, but God's wonderful plan for the Lord Jesus is to be "the Firstborn among many brethren" (Rom. 8:29). Today, all true believers belong to the family of Him who is "the Image of the invisible God, the Firstborn of all creation" (Col. 1:15 esv). As "Firstborn from among the dead," He is linked with all who belong to the new creation (Col. 1:18 jnd). Soon God will introduce Him as "the Firstborn of the dead" (Rev. 1:5 esv) to rule over the universe.

Being part of "the assembly of the firstborn" we are linked with Him who, according to God's plan, shares His honor with us (Heb. 1:6; 12:23). Always the faithful Witness, He will be given the honor of being the Firstborn of the dead and the supreme Ruler. What a privilege to be identified with Him. Praise be to Him forever!

Alfred E. Bouter