How can we apply the principle of firstfruits in our daily lives? What Firstfruits Meant in Leviticus 2:14 Leviticus 2:14 says, “If you present a grain offering of firstfruits to the LORD, you are to present crushed heads of new grain roasted in the fire.” • The very first heads of the harvest were gathered, crushed, roasted, and offered. • Nothing was held back; the LORD received the initial, best portion before anyone tasted the rest. • This acknowledged that every stalk had come from His hand and that the rest of the harvest would be blessed because the “first bit” belonged to Him. Echoes Across Scripture • Exodus 23:19 – “Bring the best of the firstfruits of your land to the house of the LORD your God.” • Proverbs 3:9-10 – “Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your harvest; then your barns will be filled with plenty…” • Deuteronomy 26:1-11 – Israel’s presentation of firstfruits came with joyful worship and confession of God’s faithfulness. • Romans 11:16 – “If the first part of the dough is holy, so is the whole batch.” • 1 Corinthians 15:20 – Jesus Himself is called “the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep,” guaranteeing the coming resurrection. Seeing Jesus as the Ultimate Firstfruit • His resurrection was the “first sample” of the full harvest of resurrected believers still to follow. • Just as God accepted Israel’s firstfruits and blessed the remaining crop, He accepted Christ and secures our future in Him. • Because the Father gave His very best, we joyfully respond by giving our first and best back to Him. Practical Ways to Live the Firstfruits Principle Today Time • Begin each day with Scripture and prayer before tackling tasks, errands, or entertainment. • Treat Sunday worship as the start, not the leftover, of the week (Acts 20:7). Finances • Set aside the first portion of income for the Lord—before budgeting anything else (2 Corinthians 9:7-8). • Give proportionately, cheerfully, and promptly; view generosity as worship, not obligation. Talents & Skills • Offer the best creative energy—music, teaching, craftsmanship, leadership—directly in service to God’s people. • Schedule ministry commitments before hobbies so that the latter never rob the Lord of your prime hours. Harvests & Paychecks • Farmers, gardeners, small-business owners: dedicate opening yields, products, or sales to kingdom causes. • Celebrate the moment a raise or bonus arrives by first asking, “How can this advance the gospel?” Relationships • Give family and friends the freshest attention, not the dregs left after scrolling and streaming. • Welcome newcomers at church or work immediately—modeling God’s own initiative toward us (James 1:18). Heart Checks to Keep Firstfruits Genuine • Motivation: Is this gift driven by gratitude or grudging duty? • Quality: Am I bringing the best or what I won’t miss? (Malachi 1:8) • Faith: Do I trust God to supply tomorrow after giving today? • Joy: Am I celebrating His faithfulness like Israel in Deuteronomy 26:11? Promises Tied to Honoring Firstfruits • Overflowing provision (Proverbs 3:9-10). • Sanctification of the remainder (Romans 11:16). • Increased thanksgiving and glory to God (2 Corinthians 9:11-13). • A lifestyle that mirrors the Father’s own giving nature (James 1:17). Offer the first and best, and watch Him bless the rest. |
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