READ DEUTERONOMY 26
GO DEEPER
In the Old Testament, the priests required the presentation of a single bundle of grain as an initial offering, known as the "first fruits." It was mandated that no other grain could be collected until this offering was presented before the Lord (Leviticus 23:9-14). This act symbolized to the Israelites that God had liberated them from servitude and bestowed upon them a bountiful land abundant with blessings. Furthermore, it signified their faith and reliance that the remainder of the harvest would be fulfilled.
In the New Testament, Jesus is seen as the embodiment of the first fruits offering, rather than being represented by a sheath of grain. "But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept." (1 Corinthians 15:20). Similar to how the initial fruit offering prepared for a bountiful harvest through faith, Jesus' resurrection prepared for our resurrection to come through faith.
Even though we are no longer required to physically present our first fruits, there is a valuable lesson to be gained from the practice of offering them.
We prefer to prioritize ourselves and then share whatever remains. It can be challenging to prioritize giving to God first, as it requires sacrifice. The concept of the first fruit offering challenges the Israelites to give the initial yield of their harvest. Consider the struggle these questions must have posed for the Israelites who longed to inhabit the Promised Land, liberated from Egyptian rule. When they finally reap a harvest, God instructs them to give the first portion.
Giving an offering to God is a symbolic gesture that highlights His role as a provider and savior and also allows us to celebrate His deeds. God desires to hold the foremost position in our lives, to be prioritized above everything else we undertake. He desires our complete trust and faith in Him. When we give to Him first, we reinforce our awareness of His past and future blessings and affirm our reliance on Him. Through this act, we express our confidence and belief in Him. All our actions thereafter are a natural outpouring of our devoted hearts to Him. "For of Him, and through Him, and to Him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever." (Romans 11:36).
QUESTIONS
1. Can you honestly say that God is the top priority in your life? If not, how can you prioritize Him?
2. What does the significance of giving the first fruits show you?
3. How can you generously give your time, skills, and resources from the abundance of your heart?