The Ordinance of Firstfruits (1): Separating the Truth from Myths and Sentiments

The Ordinance of Firstfruits (1): Separating the Truth from Myths and Sentiments

Honor the Lord with your possessions, And with the firstfruits of all your increase. – Proverbs 3:9

Having completed the ordinance of firstborn, which we devoted two weeks to explore in detail (you can read up the whole series through this link), so that we can understand what God expects from parents in relation to their firstborns, it seems appropriate to also spend some time to shed some biblical light on a sister ordinance to that of the firstborn. Therefore, in the next few days, we shall meditate on the ordinance of the firstfruits.

What is firstfruit?

Firstfruit, as the name suggests, refers to the first set of produce that a farmer harvests from his or her farm. Just like the firstborn of humans and animals, God also requires that the firstfruits of the grounds be offered to Him as well.

The issue of firstfruits has been a contentious doctrine in Christendom, even as it has also been misinterpreted, mis-preached, misunderstood and wrongly applied. Because of the heavy influence of commerce in the church, it is not surprising that much attention is rather devoted to preaching and debates about firstfruits, whereas little is said about the principal ordinance of firstborn from which that of firstfruits derived.

It is important that the LORD God, Who requires the firstfruits of farm produce, also demands the firstborn of humans and animals be offered to Him as well. So, we cannot focus on one and then neglect the other. The way you consecrate the firstfruits of your harvests to God is the same the first child that opens the womb, particularly the male child, must be consecrated to God, or redeemed with an alternative means of value.

Another reason the doctrine of firstfruits is contentious and misunderstood these days is that there have also been myths and sentiments mixed with its communication to believers. This has only fostered a sense of guilt, fear, anxiety, frustration, and even rebellion among Christians instead of the feeling of joy and gladness that God expects from His worshippers when offering their firstfuits.

So, what are those myths and sentiments?

To be continued…

You Will Succeed in Jesus Name!

Also read:

• The Ordinance of Firstborn (Conclusion): What God Wants and Expects
• Men in the Bible: Noah, A Man of Experiments
• How the World Reacts to Your Failing
• A New Body
• The Angel Of The Lord Encamps Around Those Who Fear Him

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