PODCAST
His Firstfruits
April 9th, 2017
James 1:1-18
Among the three great annual festivals celebrated by the ancient Hebrew people was the Festival of Harvest. At that time, they were told: “Bring the best of the firstfruits of your soil to the house of the LORD your God” (Exodus 23:19). This was consistent with the requirement to offer to God only that which was the first and the best. These sacrifices recognized that God is the giver of “every good and perfect gift” and is therefore worthy of preeminent thanks and honor (James 1:17).
Firstfruits are the product of new life. Our old life was enticed by our evil desires into sin; sin leads inevitably to death. However, when we receive “the word of truth” in Jesus Christ, we receive the gift of new life. This new life in Christ begins now, when we in true repentance confess our sin and receive Him as our Savior and Lord.
We offer ourselves back to God as the “firstfruits” of His ongoing creative and redemptive work in the world.
Author: Duane Brush
