RPG Adults
FIRSTFRUITS AND PENTECOST!
MONDAY, JUNE 17
Leviticus 23
Luke 21:34-35
“And he shall wave the sheaf before the LORD,
to be accepted for you: on the morrow
after the sabbath the priest shall wave it.”
FIRSTFRUITS AND PENTECOST!
Firstfruits were to be offered to the LORD, representating that all the fruits that followed belonged to the LORD. This was a thanksgiving offering based upon a grateful heart. This reminded the people of Israel that they were only tenants living in God’s Land. The Land of Promise belonged to the LORD and not Israel. Israel had a duty to the LORD, to be a holy witness for the LORD who is the Lord Jesus Christ. The ones who received the firstfruits on behalf of the LORD were the priests. They and their families were provided for even as they focused on their spiritual duties (studying and teaching of God’s Word and the carrying out of their holy duties in the Tabernacle). This Feast reminded God’s people of their spiritual responsibilities to be a holy nation. The LORD did not need their firstfruits, but the priests did. The priests were cared for physically, who in turn cared for the Israelites spiritually.
From the Feast of the Passover, the Israelites would count fifty days. The fiftieth day (after seven weeks) was known as Pentecost. It was a day of rest when no servile work was to be done. They would offer sin offering, burnt offering, peace offering and wave or thank offering. The spiritual significance was to thank God for the harvest that they had just received from the LORD. He would bless the Land as He had promised if Israel was a holy witness unto the LORD. They were to remember the poor and the stranger by ensuring that during harvests they did “not make clean riddance of the corners of the field when they reap.” They were to leave some behind for the poor and strangers who worked by reaping. This was what Ruth did in the Book of Ruth.
Providing for our physical needs can easily overwhelm our spiritual walk. When this happens, we cease to be spiritual. We become carnal. The LORD ensured that His people did not forget this every year when they enjoyed their bumper harvest from the LORD. That is why there is more blessing in times of struggle than in times of plenty. We pray more and trust in the LORD more.
MEMORISATION: Leviticus 23:20
PRAYER: May I never be self-sufficient and forget Thee, O Father, especially in times of health and wealth. In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen.