Devotion: The Symbolism of the Feast of First Fruits

Leviticus 23:9-10 NKJV

And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, “Speak to the children of Israel, and say to them: ‘When you come into the land which I give to you, and reap its harvest, then you shall bring a sheaf of the firstfruits of your harvest to the priest.

Have you ever been in a farming community during a harvest season? It is one of the busiest seasons, and it is all hands on deck.

The feast of first fruits was a feast of worship to God, marking the start of the harvest season. This feast was an acknowledgment that all harvest belongs to God. This was a one-day feast that happened on the day after the weekly Sabbath after the passover. This feast marked the start of the two-month spring harvest.

The children of Israel were to offer a sheaf and a flawless lamb for a lamb offering along with the grain offering.

Barley is a lighter grain that ripens much quicker than wheat, and thus it was the first of the first fruit offering that the Israelites made. As an agricultural community, the Israelites took the time to remind themselves and give thanks to God for the great harvest he had given them.

This feast prophetically foreshadowed the coming of the messiah and his mission on earth.

I Corinthians 15:20 NKJV

But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.

Just as the portion of the first fruits offered during this feast anticipated the rest of the harvest that was yet to come, the resurrection of Jesus anticipates the resurrection of all the saints that is to come. The bible talks of a day when those who are dead in Christ will rise first and then those of us who are alive and remain will be caught up with them in the sky and forever be with the Lord.

Remember, the harvest is plenteous, but the labourers are few. We cannot discuss the feast of first fruits and not be reminded of the harvest that is ready and the lack of labourers in the field. Will you become one today and share the good news with those who need to hear it?

Reflections

What comes to mind when you hear the term First Fruits?
How often do you remember to give thanks to God for his provision?
Jesus is the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. What does that mean to you as a believer?