What does offering firstfruits reveal about our relationship with God? Setting the Scene: Nehemiah’s Covenant Commitment Nehemiah 10:35 records the renewed resolve of post-exilic Israel: “We will also bring the firstfruits of our land and of every fruit tree to the house of the LORD year by year.” • The people have rebuilt the walls and now rebuild their worship. • By vowing the firstfruits, they publicly affirm that God, not Persia, sustains them. • This act revives commands already given (Exodus 23:19; Leviticus 23:10), showing continuity between Law and restored community. Firstfruits in God’s Economy • Ownership: “The earth is the LORD’s, and the fullness thereof” (Psalm 24:1). Offering the first part acknowledges His rights over every part. • Priority: What comes first in our hands shows who comes first in our hearts (Proverbs 3:9-10). • Proportion: Firstfruits were the initial portion, not the leftovers—demonstrating honor, not mere obligation. • Perpetuity: “Year by year” (Nehemiah 10:35) underscores consistency, not one-time enthusiasm. What the Offering Reveals about Our Hearts 1. Gratitude – Deuteronomy 26:9-10 pictures the offerer declaring, “I now bring the firstfruits… that You, O LORD, have given me.” – Giving thanks before the full harvest arrives celebrates blessings already received. 2. Trust – By surrendering the earliest produce, Israel risked uncertainty over the rest of the season. – This faith says, “God provided these first kernels; He will provide the remaining sheaves” (cf. Malachi 3:10). 3. Submission – Obedience to a clear command (Exodus 23:19) recognizes God’s authority as non-negotiable. – Romans 6:17 praises those who become “obedient from the heart”—exactly what firstfruits demonstrate. 4. Holiness – Romans 11:16: “If the first part of the dough is holy, so is the whole batch.” – Setting apart the first sanctifies the remainder, aligning every field, paycheck, or talent with God’s purposes. 5. Participation in Community Worship – Offerings went “to the house of the LORD,” benefitting priests, Levites, and temple ministry. – Our giving still strengthens gospel work and mutual care (Acts 4:34-35). How Firstfruits Deepen Our Fellowship with God • They turn routine harvests into repeated encounters with Him. • They train our hearts to look upward before we look inward or outward. • They keep spiritual disciplines tangible—soil-stained hands directing praise-filled lips. Jesus, the Fulfillment of the Firstfruits Picture • 1 Corinthians 15:20: “Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.” • Just as firstfruits guaranteed a larger harvest, Christ’s resurrection guarantees ours (v. 23). • James 1:18 extends the metaphor: believers are “a kind of firstfruits of His creation,” set apart for God’s glory. Living the Principle Today • Set aside the first portion of income, time, or skill for the Lord before allocating anything else. • Celebrate each paycheck or blessing as evidence of the Father’s care; speak gratitude aloud. • Support the local church and missions, echoing Israel’s temple priority. • Anticipate future provision and resurrection hope every time you give—firstfruits point forward as well as upward. |
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