What does offering "a portion of the dough" teach about honoring God first? Text for Reflection “From the first of your dough you are to present an offering to the LORD; you are to present it throughout your generations.” (Numbers 15:20) The Heart Behind the Command - God had just rescued Israel and was shaping them into a holy nation. - By asking for “the first of your dough,” He taught them that every loaf, every harvest, every breath ultimately came from Him. - Offering the first portion set the tone: before enjoying daily bread, they acknowledged the Giver. What Giving the First Portion Communicates - Priority: God is not an afterthought; He is first (Proverbs 3:9). - Ownership: Everything belongs to Him; we are stewards (Psalm 24:1). - Trust: Handing over the first removes the fear of scarcity and proclaims confidence in God’s continued provision (Malachi 3:10). - Holiness: “If the first portion of the dough is holy, so is the whole batch” (Romans 11:16). Consecrating the first sets apart all that follows. Connections with Other “First” Offerings - Firstborn sons and livestock (Exodus 13:2) - Firstfruits of the harvest (Leviticus 23:10) - Tithes from income (Deuteronomy 14:22) Each act echoed the same lesson: the first and best go to God. Echoes in the New Covenant - Christ as “the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep” (1 Corinthians 15:20) shows God giving His best for us, modeling the pattern He asks us to follow. - Early believers laid gifts “at the apostles’ feet” before using the rest (Acts 4:34–35), reflecting the same principle. Living It Out Today - Budget the Lord’s portion before any other expense. - Give Sunday’s time to worship rather than fit worship around the week. - Offer the first moments of each day in Scripture and prayer. - Celebrate every paycheck or harvest with immediate generosity; let gratitude be your reflex. Summary Setting aside the first portion of dough wasn’t a mere ritual—it was a daily, tangible confession that God is supreme provider and rightful owner of all. Honoring Him first sanctifies everything that follows and fortifies our trust in His unfailing care. |
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