Reading Time: 3 Minutes

Key Verse:
Speak to the Israelites and say to them: When you enter the land I am going to give you and reap its harvest, bring to the priest a sheaf of the first grain you harvest.

(Leviticus 23:10)

Firstfruits in the Bible are a demonstration of faith and obedience. They represent the first fruits or the best of our harvests, income, and efforts, offered to God. This act symbolizes that we acknowledge everything we have comes from Him.

1. God Is Worthy of Our Firstfruits

In Genesis 4:4-5, Abel offered the best of his flock to the Lord, while Cain brought an ordinary offering. God was pleased with Abel because he valued God above everything else. Firstfruits reflect the heart of the giver.

2. The Principle of Holiness

“Consecrate to me every firstborn male. The first offspring of every womb among the Israelites belongs to me, whether human or animal.”
(Exodus 13:2)

God established that the firstfruits were holy and dedicated to Him. This included the firstborn, the fruits, and the most valuable offerings from the people of Israel. Similarly, when we give our firstfruits today, we consecrate our lives and finances to God.

3. The Spirit of Mammon

Jesus taught that we cannot serve both God and Mammon, which symbolizes the love of money (Matthew 6:24). By giving our firstfruits, we show that our hearts are not tied to money but fully trust in the Lord as our provider.

4. Bikkurim: Gratitude and Faithfulness

The Hebrew word bikkurim refers to firstfruits as an act of gratitude to God. Exodus 23:19 commands bringing the best of the firstfruits to the house of the Lord. This principle teaches us to always remember who owns everything.

Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops.”
(Proverbs 3:9)

5. Preparing to Be Good Stewards

Ezekiel 44:30 reminds us that firstfruits bring blessing. However, we must accompany them with a life of good stewardship of what God has entrusted to us. This involves:

• Having a financial plan of action.
• Managing resources wisely.
• Being generous with God and others.

God calls us to be faithful with our firstfruits and to acknowledge His sovereignty in our lives. By giving our best, we not only honor God but also receive His blessings.

Sincerely,
Pastor Guillermo Ayala