Firstfruits

by G.M. Hydon, Toronto, Canada | Category: General | Feb 1989

Every man of Israel was commanded to bring the firstfruits of his increase as an offering to his God. "Firstfruits" is an English word translating two Hebrew words: one which means "the first in order" and another which means "the first in quality". In Exodus 23:19 these words are combined, so we read of "the best of the firstfruits" (NIV). Two principles of giving are therefore brought to our attention; God must receive His part first; and God must receive from that which is the best. These principles are seen in the New Testament too, and have applicability to the Christian just as they did to the Israelite of old.~

James, in his epistle (1:18), refers to God's intention that born again believers should be a kind of firstfruits of His creation. The epistle points out the need for disciples to accept their separated position in this world. Neither the world's rebuke nor its applause should cause the Christian to be sidetracked, and its attraction is to be especially avoided (1:12; 2:9; 4:4). Those who have been redeemed should stand out for God; they should be firstfruits something unique for Him from His creation. We are reminded that when the Lord said His followers were salt of the earth and a city set on a hill, He was stating a fact not a request (Mat. 5:13,14). Testimony is therefore unavoidable for us; the question is whether or not its quality is what God expects - 'are we living as firstfruits in our individual witness to an unbelieving world?

Surrounded by the sinfulness of this age we join in the groan of a creation that awaits deliverance. But we have the firstfruits of the Spirit (Rom. 8:23). He is the firstfruits in the sense of a first payment, a deposit. See also Ephesians 1:13 and 4:30; believers are sealed with the Holy Spirit, both to secure them for their eternal inheritance and to mark them out now as God's possession. The Holy Spirit within us should initiate and moderate our activity (Rom. 8:14; 1 Cor. 6:1920). He will also help us in prayer (1:om. 8:26). Because we possess the firstfruits of the Spirit, we can acceptably bring firstfruits to God. But are we allowing the Spirit so to work in us, and to unite us with fellow believers to this end (Eph. 4:3; 5:18-20)?

Using the illustration of the lump of dough brought as a firstfruit offering (Num. 15:18-21), Paul explained to the Romans (11:16) how God's demands of His people were unchanging. If the firstfruit represented the faithful men of the Old Covenant then those of the New Covenant must likewise demonstrate such faith. Are we collectively ensuring that no yeast of unbelief or sinful behaviour is entering the lump, marring the quality and ceasing to be in accord with the sample of the firstfruit?

The statement, "Christ, the firstfruits" is made in relation to the order of resurrection (1 Cor. 15:20-23). But He is the firstfruits in terms of quality as well as time. God the Father delights in Him, who did all things well. He is the most fitting of all that the people can bring to God in their worship. While we may enjoy material increase, an increasing appreciation of Christ is of greater and more enduring value. Surely He is the best of the firstfruits. The privilege of the people of God is to bring such appreciation into the house of the Lord (Ex. 23:19). And as we fulfil that divine desire, so we shall be blessed, spiritually and materially:

Honour the LORD with thy substance, And with the firstfruits (best) of all thine increase:

So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, And thy fats shall overflow with new wine. (Prov. 3:9-10).

G.M. Hydon, Toronto, Canada | Feb 1989
General