First Fruits
The concept of first fruits -- of how the firsts are holy, claimed by God, and redeemable -- runs from the Pentateuch to the epistles. It is at the heart of how we understand Jesus' death, and it has broad implications for how we're called to steward the gifts we receive.
Key Insights
Scriptural Basis
The Firsts of Everything
English translations of the bible capture the idea of first fruits with seven different terms: first fruits (38 times), firstborn (117 times), firstlings (8 times), first shearing (1 time), and the first dough (5 times). |
First in Time and Quality
The first fruits were, at least initially, the first in time (born or harvested). They were also understood to be the best (e.g. Numbers 18:12-13), so giving from first fruits was giving "from the top." First fruits also foretold the harvest to come. |
God Claims Ownership
In the Hebrew Scriptures, God insistently claims ownership of the firsts of everything (e.g. Exodus 13:2; Numbers 3:12-13). In recognition that all good things come from God, the first and the best was returned to God. |
Set Aside, Holy, and Bound
First fruits are "set aside" or "separated" for God, which makes them holy. This setting aside makes them "first fruits" even if they are not the first in time. It also forms a relationship: the first fruits belong to God and God belongs to the first fruits. God takes care of what belongs to him. |
First Fruits Could Be Redeemed
The Israelites could redeem and keep first fruits by exchanging something else for them (Exodus 13:11-12). Money or a lesser animal was sacrificed in place of a human or animal firstborn. Unredeemed firstborns had to be sacrificed to God themselves. |
The Levites
Aaron and the Levites (priests) of Israel had a special first fruits role. God sets them aside as holy and claims ownership of them in exchange for Israel's firstborns... and requires the remainder in silver (see Numbers 3:39-51)! The Levites also received all of the first fruits offerings on behalf of God to support themselves. |
Israel Is God's Firstborn Nation
God claims ownership of the people of Israel as his firstborn nation (e.g. Exodus 4:22-23): set aside and holy. They are redeemed at Passover by sacrificing a lamb and putting some of its blood outside their doors (Exodus 12:21-23). This sets Israel free from slavery in Egypt. |
Jesus Was God's Firstborn
Jesus was considered Mary and Joseph's firstborn, so his parents redeemed him with a pair of pigeons (Luke 2:22-24). But Jesus is also God's firstborn son, who is sacrificed for us. But Jesus is resurrected and becomes the first fruits of the dead (e.g. 1 Corinthians 15:20; Colossians 1:15-18), promising resurrection for us too! |
Jesus Redeems Us
God sacrifices his firstborn, redeeming and feeing us through Jesus' death (e.g. 1 Peter 1:18-19; Revelation 5:8-9; Hebrews 9:11-12)). Just as Israel was redeemed by the blood of a sacrificed lamb, we are redeemed by the Lamb of God. This sets us free from sin and death. In this act, we become a first fruits offering from God to the rest of creation (James 1:18). |
First Fruits of the Spirit
We have been promised eternal life, but as we wait expectantly, God offers us the "first fruits of the Spirit" as a down payment on that promise (Romans 8:22-23). The Holy Spirit is a foretaste of what is to come and God's promise of the coming kingdom (e.g. Ephesian 1:13-14; 2 Corinthians 1:21-22). |
Where Does God's Portion Go?
The Hebrew scriptures specify multiple destinations for the returned first fruits. One is supporting the priestly ministries of the time, the Levites. Another is "the aliens, the orphans, and the widows, so that they may eat their fill within your towns" (Deuteronomy 14:28-29). A third is paying for a celebration of God's goodness (Deuteronomy 14:23-26). The returned portion is used to do God's will in different ways. |
Giving Beyond First Fruits
First fruits giving is a special kind of giving, and is not the only way to give. It is giving from the firsts and the top, motivated by gratitude and worship and not motivated by meeting another's needs. It is our first giving, not our maximum giving. As Paul teaches, after our first fruit offerings and meeting our needs, God can gift us so we can meet our own needs and then have abundance to share for "every good deed" (2 Corinthians 9:8). |
Daily Life Application
- Recognition and gratitude. First fruits has to start with recognizing what God has gifted us with. Our gratitude motivates us to return a portion to God. As outlined in All Is Gift, God gifts us in many different ways. Consider what first fruits you could return in these different areas, especially your time, talent, and treasure.
- From our first and best. First fruits challenges us to give intentionally from our first and best, rather than our leftovers. This means we set our first fruits giving intentions in advance or as we receive our gifts, rather than at the end of the year. It also means returning from our best. Returning our best time may mean setting aside your best time (e.g. not when you're tired).
- Setting aside God's portion. How do you track what belongs to God? Some Christian stewards set up a separate bank account for God's money, transferring first fruits to it from each paycheck. That gives them a place from which to make financial gifts and keeps them "honest" on not shortchanging God. You could set up a similar system for your time to make sure you follow through on your intentions. You'll have to determine on your own if God charges interest.
- Discerning recipients. Prayerfully discern where God's portion should go. For financial resources, your faith community is one good possibility but not necessarily the exclusive answer. For time, you may choose to dedicate it for prayer, volunteering, or quality time with your spouse or family. For talent, consider how God to put one of your best skills to work for the good of the Kingdom. Consider giving blood as a first fruits offering of your health. How does God want you to use the returned gift?
- Reverence. God's portion is set aside and holy. Return that portion with a sense of reverence. Say a quick prayer when sending money to charities or returning some of your time. Put any church donations in an envelope for the collection, rather than throwing in crumpled bills. Remember why you are giving and to whom you are giving.
- Redeeming first fruits. If you can't afford to offer a portion of your money (or some other gift), consider what you could exchange in its place as a gift to God.
- Giving beyond the first. First fruits is just our first giving, and not meant to be a maximum limit. After we have met our needs, we are invited to use our abundance to share with others.
- What is holy? What things in our lives do we consider holy? Our children, our food, our cars? How do we set them aside in holiness?
- Recognize the faith connection. First fruits is intertwined in how God loves and has sacrificed for us. As we share our gifts, remember the gift of your faith and how God's gifts have set us free from everything that holds us bound.
Quotations
Firstfruits are not a matter of need or practical economics. God certainly didn't need the meat or grain, and perhaps the Levites don't really need them either. Firstfruits, you see, are not a matter of need; they are a matter of worship. Firstfruits don't have to make sense economically; they make sense spiritually. The firstfruit offering is give to God because it belongs to God. The firstfruits offering is a constant reminder to us that God is creator and ultimate owner of all that is, and God controls all that is. Lynn Miller
Firstfruits Living Living as God's firstfruits offering means living as entrepreneurs of the Gospel. It means putting our money and our time to use as signs of the kingdom of God. It is offering to God from the first of what we receive, before calculating the risk or counting the cost, before deciding if we can afford to be God's kind of steward. Lynn Miller
Firstfruits Living |
Our assessment of Israel's giving patterns is woefully off the mark if we think that Israel gave in order to receive divine love. For Israel giving was supposed to be a sign of gratitude, just as it is for us. That fact suggests that we should explore Old Testament giving patterns to see what they teach us today. Robert C. Heerspink
Becoming a Firstfruits Congregation |
Books
Firstfruits Living: Giving God Our Best
Lynn A Miller "Firstfruits living" means giving back to God our lives, living each day as God's servants. This easy-reading stewardship study by Lynn A. Miller will promote lively discussion and renewed living. Amazon |
Becoming A Firstfruits Congregation: A Stewardship Guide for Church Leaders
(formerly titled "Becoming a Firstfruits Congregation: A Stewardship Guide for Church Leaders) Robert C. Heerpink This self-directed study guide features 27 brief readings that help readers discover the Bible's wisdom on giving for today from a biblical and Reformed perspective. Includes help with practical follow-up ideas--setting up church budgets, suggestions for personal giving, fundraisers, endowments, and more! Amazon |
Videos
Becoming A Firstfruits Congregation: A Stewardship Guide for Church Leaders
(formerly titled "Becoming a Firstfruits Congregation: A Stewardship Guide for Church Leaders) Robert C. Heerpink This self-directed study guide features 27 brief readings that help readers discover the Bible's wisdom on giving for today from a biblical and Reformed perspective. Includes help with practical follow-up ideas--setting up church budgets, suggestions for personal giving, fundraisers, endowments, and more! Amazon |