The recent recession has caused a great deal of worry and concern. Want a sure formula that will brighten your day? “…You shall rejoice in all the good which the Lord your God has given you” (Deut. 26:11b).
After years of waiting and suffering want, it was appropriate that every Hebrew family celebrate with the firstfruits of their crops. Moses instructed them to take some of the first of the produce that they harvested from the Promised Land and place it in a container. This then was taken before the priest in acknowledgement that they had surely entered the land of plenty God had promised them.
This offering was appropriately called the offering of the firstfruits. If you have the time and you can read the remainder of the chapter, you will find that Israel was privileged to celebrate God’s goodness with other offerings, including the third year tithe for the foreign residents, the fatherless, and the widows.
We should take a lesson from these Old Testament offerings and learn both how and why we should celebrate all the good things God has given us. First the offerings were brought to the Lord to acknowledge Him as the source of all good gifts. Second giving the first fruits required a level of self-denial. The farmer would be tempted to keep those for himself. Third giving was an act of celebration. Finally giving provided for those less fortunate.
When you find yourselves discouraged, give an offering in celebration of all God’s good gifts.
Prayer. Forgive me when I focus on me and forget You. You are the giver of all I have and I celebrate your many blessings. Amen.