Connect Numbers 28:26 with New Testament teachings on giving and generosity. The Offering of Firstfruits: Remembering Numbers 28:26 “ ‘On the Day of Firstfruits, when you present to the LORD an offering of new grain during the Feast of Weeks, you are to hold a sacred assembly; you must not do any regular work.’ ” (Numbers 28:26) Principle 1: First Things Belong to God • In Israel’s calendar, the very first portion of the harvest went straight to the LORD. • New Testament echo: “Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your harvest.” (Proverbs 3:9) quoted in principle by Paul: “If the first part of the dough is holy, so is the whole batch.” (Romans 11:16). • Christ Himself is called “the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.” (1 Corinthians 15:20). Because God gave His best, we respond by giving Him our best. Principle 2: Generosity Springs from Gratitude • Firstfruits celebrated God’s provision before the rest of the crop was even gathered. • Paul ties giving to thanksgiving: “For the ministry of this service is … overflowing in many expressions of thanksgiving to God.” (2 Corinthians 9:12). • Grateful hearts see every paycheck, crop, or pension as God’s gift, and generosity becomes the natural response. Principle 3: Planned and Proportionate Giving • Israel’s calendar fixed set days for offerings; giving wasn’t haphazard. • New Covenant parallel: “On the first day of every week, each of you is to set aside something and save it, in keeping with your income.” (1 Corinthians 16:2). • Regular, intentional giving allows believers to honor God first, not with leftovers. Principle 4: Cheerful and Sacrificial Giving • Firstfruits cost the farmer his earliest and often best grain. • Paul: “Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7). • Cheerfulness doesn’t negate sacrifice; it transforms it. Luke 21:1-4 highlights a widow who gave “all she had to live on” and did so willingly. Principle 5: Giving Reflects the Gospel • Firstfruits pointed forward to a greater harvest—just as our giving today points to God’s coming kingdom. • Jesus: “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over…” (Luke 6:38). • When believers share, they mirror the generosity of the early church: “No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they owned.” (Acts 4:32). • “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” (2 Corinthians 9:15). Our offerings testify to that gift. Putting It into Practice Today • Set aside the “first slice” of every paycheck or harvest for the Lord. • Give proportionately: as He increases income, increase generosity (1 Timothy 6:17-19). • Plan ahead—automatic transfers, envelopes, or budget lines keep generosity intentional. • Look for needs inside and outside the church; partner with ministries that proclaim Christ and serve people. • Give with expectancy, trusting the God who “is able to make all grace abound to you” (2 Corinthians 9:8). |
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