Offering of the First Fruits. Illustration from a Bible card published between 1896 and 1913.
Most early Israelites made their living as farmers or shepherds. It was their practice to offer God a portion of the first harvest of the season or one of the first born from among their flocks rather than securing the food for themselves in the larder or pantry. Such worship demonstrated profound trust in God’s ability to care for them and provide for future needs. This Biblical practice seems to me a particularly sincere declaration of faith. In our own income and market based economy in which offerings are measured in dollars rather than bushels, lambs, or calves, we would say, when it came to faith, these ancestors in faith really “put their money where their mouths were.”
Offerings are an act of worship, a tangible way of expressing gratitude to the Creator for blessings that make continued human existence possible. They are also an act of stewardship through which faithful persons employ resources God has placed in their care to promote the mission of Christ’s church.
I find it humbling to consider that Christ entrusted the continuation of his work to persons like us but that is what scripture teaches. Faith is a powerful force for renewal, reconciliation, righteousness and justice when translated into action. But that action depends on individual and collective commitment. Dedications of time, ability, and financial backing are all necessary for the church to carry out its mission. Each of us must decide how we can best express to God our gratitude and make a sincere, tangible declaration of faith.
-Pastor Derek French