 The Covenant Values of The Feast of First Fruits
Summary
The Feast of First-fruits marks a time of expressing gratefulness to God for one’s harvest by dedicating the first fruits of the crop to God. It, therefore, acknowledges God’s headship over mankind; and man’s stewardship before God. It also serves as a shadow, pointing to Messiah’s resurrection as the first soul arisen in the newness of eternal life.
But the fact is that the Messiah has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have died. 21 For since death came through a man, also the resurrection of the dead has come through a man. 22 For just as in connection with Adam all die, so in connection with the Messiah all will be made alive. 23 But each in his own order: the Messiah is the firstfruits; then those who belong to the Messiah, at the time of his coming; 24 then the culmination, when he hands over the Kingdom to God the Father, after having put an end to every rulership, yes, to every authority and power.
(1 Corinthians 15:20-24 JNT)
In identifying with His resurrection, the child of God is, therefore, elevated to a new spiritual state; “from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.” (Romans 8:21 NKJV)
In addition to valuing God’s grace in the harvest, First-fruits gave the individual the opportunity to examine the first fruits of the crop to test the quality of the harvest. If the first fruits were good—and therefore blessed—the rest would likewise be blessed.
Here too, Messiah has become an example of the type of character we should value. The Holy Spirit, however, is the real enabler. He is the Comforter who, if allowed, will transform your mind and heart, bringing it to conformity with the character of Messiah.
Scripture References
Psalm 26; Matthew 6:33; 1 Corinthians 11:28; 2 Corinthians 13:5; Galatians 6:4; Hebrews 4; 12:14-15; Matthew 7:21; 1 John 3:1-3; Galatians 5:22
Book References
Faith and Fables: p. 21-22; 139-140
Sons and Servants: p. 72-73
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