How does Exodus 23:19 guide our approach to offering our best to God? Text of Exodus 23:19 “Bring the best of the firstfruits of your soil to the house of the LORD your God. You must not cook a young goat in its mother’s milk.” Context Matters • Part of a larger covenant section where Israel learns how daily life is to reflect holiness (Exodus 20–24). • Firstfruits giving appears alongside instructions on justice, Sabbath rest, and festival worship—showing God views wholehearted giving as essential, not optional. • The goat‐in‐milk command underscores separation from pagan practices; God’s people worship Him on His terms, not theirs. The Principle of Firstfruits • “Best” (rêʾšîṯ) means the choicest, earliest portion—what would naturally be most prized. • Giving firstfruits proclaimed: – God owns the harvest (Psalm 24:1). – The giver trusts Him for what is yet unharvested (Proverbs 3:9-10). – Worship is priority, not an afterthought. Offering Our Best Today 1. Finances • Set aside the first portion of income, not the leftovers (1 Corinthians 16:2). 2. Time • Guard morning devotion, Lord’s Day worship, and seasons of service before the calendar fills with lesser things (Ephesians 5:15-16). 3. Talents • Deploy strongest skills for kingdom purposes, not merely career advancement (1 Peter 4:10-11). 4. Relationships • Give family and church undistracted attention, reflecting God’s generous love (1 John 3:18). Recognizing God’s Ownership • Leviticus 27:30—“All the tithe…is the LORD’s; it is holy.” • Acts 17:25—He “is not served by human hands, as if He needed anything.” Offerings acknowledge His rightful claim and our dependence. Trusting God’s Provision • Malachi 3:10—“‘Test Me,’ says the LORD…‘see if I will not open the floodgates of heaven.’” • 2 Corinthians 9:8—God “is able to make all grace abound” so we “abound in every good work.” • Firstfruits giving moves faith from theory to practice. A Pattern Throughout Scripture • Abel’s “firstborn of his flock” (Genesis 4:4). • Israel at Jericho: first city’s spoils devoted to God (Joshua 6:19). • Solomon’s temple furnished with “the best gold” (1 Kings 10:18). • Wise men presented gold, frankincense, myrrh—costly treasures (Matthew 2:11). • The widow’s two small coins—“all she had to live on” (Luke 21:1-4). • Ultimately, the Father offered His best—His only Son (John 3:16; Romans 8:32). Practical Ways to Give God Our Best • Budget firstfruits as a non-negotiable line item. • Serve in church areas aligning with strongest abilities, not merely convenient slots. • Schedule weekly rest and worship before planning recreation. • Offer excellence—prepare lessons, music, hospitality with diligence (Colossians 3:23). • Cultivate thankfulness; saying “thank You” multiplies joy in giving (Psalm 116:12-14). The Heart Behind the Offering • God seeks obedience grounded in love (John 14:15). • He measures offerings by sacrifice, not size (2 Samuel 24:24). • Giving bests trains hearts to treasure Him above all (Matthew 6:21). Summary Exodus 23:19 calls believers to bring the choicest, earliest, and most treasured portions to God. This practice affirms His sovereignty, expresses gratitude, and exercises trust. In every arena—money, time, abilities, and devotion—our first and finest belong to the Lord. |
    |