First Fruits
When we think of “first fruits”, it is obvious that there are more to come. I am an avid “outliner”. When I take notes or write sermons, I do it in an outline form. One rule in writing an outline is that if you start with a 1 or A, you must have a 2 or B. You cannot say “first” without also mentioning a “second” and so on. It is mentioned in I Cor. 15.20 that Jesus is the first fruits of the resurrection of the dead. Jesus, being the first, means others are to follow. If Jesus did not rise from the dead, then no one else would. He is the first.
The first mention of “first fruits” in the Bible is found in the book of Leviticus, chapter 23. After the people of Israel had entered into the Promise Land, they were to offer an offering of the first fruits to the Lord. This offering consisted of grain, wine and an unblemished lamb. It was to be waved before the Lord on the day after the Sabbath, which is Sunday. Isn’t this a picture of Jesus? He is the sinless Lamb that was lifted up on the cross. The grain, (bread), is His body that was offered and the wine, (blood), was shed. Jesus is the First Fruits offering. He is our Passover Lamb.
This is a very clear picture of Jesus’ atonement for sin in the Old Testament. But then, we find something very interesting. We see another first fruits 50 days later. In this second feast the grain is made into leavened bread, and is waved before the Lord as a first fruits’ offering. It was also to be done on a Sunday and not on a Saturday. Leaven is a symbol of sin in the Scriptures, and yet this sin-natured offering was to be offered to the Lord. The first “first fruits” speaks of divinity, (unblemished), the second of humanity, (blemished). This second feast, (Pentecost), which was also a first fruits celebration, was the birth of the Church. Just think about it; we, the Church, are in Christ and are also the first fruits. Though we have a sin nature, we can sanctify and present ourselves before the Lord. The waving of the offering is a sign of adoration and submission. As we lift up holy hands, without dissension or wrath, (I Tim. 2.8), our prayers and worship ascend before the Father as a sweet aroma.
Because both Passover and Pentecost were to be celebrated on the first day of the week, most of the Church, worldwide, gather to celebrate on Sundays. Yet, what is even more important is that the Church is to be a first fruit offering. I have heard many believers complain that they are the only one in their family, job, or among their friends that are saved. Maybe you have thought that way as well. But, just remember, you are a first fruit, not an only fruit. Because of your faith, others will come to be saved. You are the first of many. Wow, that is special. You may disqualify yourselves, because of the problems you have, but that is just the point. The Church has a carnal nature, (leaven), and yet as we offer ourselves to the Lord, He uses us to bring many more to Him.
This concept of first fruits is also seen in other areas. In the Old Testament, the firstborn child was to be dedicated to the Lord, as were animals and crops. This offering of the first, guaranteed that many more would be added to them. First make your offering, seek first the Kingdom of God…and then everything else will follow. The harvest does not come before the planting nor abundance before an offering. So use your “firstness” to become fruitful in all areas of your life.
Scriptures to meditate on:
I Cor. 15.20; Tiago 1.18; Lev. 23.9-11, 15-17; Prov. 3.9-10; Mat. 6.33; Rev. 14.4