Why should I offer my Firstfruits?
Text: "As for the offering of firstfruits, you shall offer them to the LORD, but they shall not be burned on the altar as a soothing aroma." — Leviticus 2:12
Theme: Honouring God with the First and the Best
Introduction
The law of firstfruits reminded Israel that God is the owner of everything they possessed. Before enjoying the harvest, they were to present the first and the best to Him. Interestingly, Leviticus 2:12 says the firstfruits were to be offered to the Lord, but not burned on the altar as a soothing aroma. This teaches that while every offering is valuable, each offering has a distinct purpose in God's plan.
1. The Firstfruits Acknowledge God's Ownership
The firstfruits represented gratitude and recognition that the entire harvest belonged to God.
Reference Text: Proverbs 3:9-10 – "Honor the LORD with your substance and with the firstfruits of all your increase."
Lesson:
- Everything we have comes from God.
- Giving God the first place invites His blessing upon the rest.
Illustration: A farmer who keeps the first basket for himself forgets who sent the rain and sunshine. But the one who first honors God demonstrates trust that there is more harvest to come.
2. Firstfruits Demonstrate Faith in God's Future Provision
The firstfruits were given before the full harvest was gathered.
Reference Text: Romans 11:16 – "If the firstfruit is holy, the lump is also holy."
Lesson:
- Firstfruits are an act of faith, not convenience.
- We trust God with what is first because we believe He will provide what remains.
3. Every Offering Has Its Divine Purpose
The firstfruits were accepted by God, but they were not burned as a sweet aroma on the altar.
Lesson:
- God values obedience more than ritual.
- We must worship God according to His instructions, not according to our preferences.
- The acceptance of our worship depends on obedience.
Reference Text: 1 Samuel 15:22 – "To obey is better than sacrifice."
4. Christ Is Our Firstfruits
The firstfruits pointed prophetically to Jesus Christ.
Reference Text:
- 1 Corinthians 15:20 – "Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep."
- James 1:18 – Believers are described as a kind of firstfruits of God's creation.
Lesson:
- Christ is God's first and perfect offering.
- Those who belong to Christ should live lives dedicated to God.
Conclusion
Leviticus 2:12 teaches that God deserves our first, our best, and our wholehearted obedience. The firstfruits offering was more than an agricultural practice—it was an expression of faith, gratitude, and submission. When we honor God first, we declare that He is Lord over every area of our lives.
Illustration
A businessman receives his first salary after months of unemployment. Instead of spending it all on himself, he first thanks God and honors Him. That act is not about the amount—it is a declaration that God remains his source. Those who recognize God as the source of every blessing will never hesitate to give Him the first place.
Altar call:
Ask yourself:
- Does God have first place in my life?
- Am I giving Him my best or only what is left?
- Am I obeying Him according to His Word?
Today, commit to honoring God with your time, talents, possessions, and heart.
Prayer Points
- Father, help me to always honor You with the first and the best of my life.
- Lord, remove every spirit of selfishness and teach me grateful obedience.
- May my life become an acceptable offering before You through Jesus Christ.
- Lord, increase my faith to trust You as my Provider in every season.
- Let Christ, the Firstfruits, be fully formed in me, and let my life bring glory to Your name. Amen.
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