How does "wave offering before the LORD" reflect our worship practices now? Setting the Scene: The Old Testament Wave Offering Leviticus 23:10-11: “When you enter the land that I am giving you and you reap its harvest, you are to bring to the priest a sheaf of the first grain of your harvest. And he shall wave the sheaf before the LORD so that you may be accepted; the priest is to wave it on the day after the Sabbath.” • God commanded Israel to bring the very first sheaf (the “omer”) of the barley harvest. • The priest lifted and moved it back and forth—publicly “waving” it—as an act of presentation. • Only after this rite could the people enjoy the rest of the harvest (vv. 14). Other wave-offering texts: Exodus 29:24; Leviticus 7:30; Numbers 8:11. Key Elements of the Wave Offering • Firstfruits—offered before anything else was used or eaten. • Public presentation—done in full view of the congregation. • Acknowledgment of God’s ownership—“before the LORD” emphasized His presence. • Acceptance—God received the gift; in turn, the people were accepted (Leviticus 23:11). • Joyful gratitude—the rite coincided with the spring harvest festival, a time of celebration. Fulfillment and Foreshadowing in Christ • 1 Corinthians 15:20: “Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.” – Just as the first sheaf guaranteed the coming harvest, Jesus’ resurrection guarantees ours. • John 12:24—His life, like a grain of wheat, was offered up so that many would live. • Hebrews 7:25—our High Priest forever “lives to intercede,” continually presenting us before the Father. What It Teaches Us About Worship Today • Bring God the first, not the leftovers—time, resources, affection (Proverbs 3:9). • Worship is public testimony—lifting hands, voices, and lives “before the LORD” (Psalm 134:2). • All we have is God’s—giving reminds us of His ultimate ownership (1 Chronicles 29:14). • Acceptance through a mediator—our worship is received because Jesus presents us (Ephesians 1:6). • Joy and thanksgiving should permeate gathered worship—celebration, not mere routine (Psalm 100:2). Practical Ways to Live the Principle • Budget the first portion of income for giving (2 Corinthians 9:7). • Dedicate the first part of each day to Scripture and prayer (Mark 1:35). • Treat Sunday—the day after the Sabbath, the day of resurrection—as weekly “firstfruits” praise. • Share testimonies publicly: baptism, communion, spoken praise (Psalm 107:2). • Wave “offerings” of good works—acts of mercy and generosity—so others see and glorify God (Matthew 5:16). • Engage body and voice in worship: singing, lifting hands, kneeling, reflecting the wave’s physicality (Romans 12:1). Closing Reflection The ancient wave offering was a vibrant declaration: “Everything starts with You, LORD, and everything belongs to You.” When we give God our first and best, publicly and joyfully, we step into the same rhythm—honoring Christ, our risen Firstfruits, and inviting the world to join the harvest of worshipers. |
    |