A popular health website recommends eight “miracle foods”: avocados, blueberries, green tea, kale, lentils, quinoa, walnuts, and red wine. Blueberries, for example, are full of antioxidants and can help prevent cataracts, varicose veins, heart disease, and cancer. Walnuts improve cognitive (brain) function and memory, aid in gut health, and support heart health by reducing cholesterol and blood pressure.
We could also say that worship through giving is good for our spiritual health. Yesterday we read about the principle of “firstfruits,” that is, offering the first or best of what we have to the Lord. In Deuteronomy 26 we see that same principle put into practice during Israel’s entry into the promised land (vv. 1–4). The presentation of the firstfruits was accompanied by an affirmation of God’s faithful promise-keeping. It also admitted the people’s hopelessness without that. This was done through a vivid testimony about their liberation from Egypt (vv. 5–10).
This national origin story is rather unusual: Their forefather Jacob went to Egypt to survive. His descendants became enslaved. But the Lord heard their cries for help and freed them “with a mighty hand.” Then He brought them to a “land flowing with milk and honey,” a metaphorical picture of abundance. All the glory is given to God, not human heroes, for this amazing history.
The basket of firstfruits would then lead to rejoicing and gratitude for all of God’s various blessings (v. 11). It’s important to note that “foreigners” (or sojourners) are included. This means that the Exodus and God’s awesome “signs and wonders” had inspired faith even in some non-Israelites (for example, Rahab and her family). This testimony became a kind of recitation of God’s covenant faithfulness.
Go Deeper
What’s your testimony or salvation narrative? Does it glorify the Lord and rejoice in His blessings to you? How might you incorporate it into holiday celebrations?
Pray with Us
Heavenly Father, we praise You for Your plan of redemption! Let us, together with the psalmist, proclaim, “We will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the LORD” (Ps. 78:4).
Now I bring the firstfruits of the soil that you, LORD, have given me.Deuteronomy 26:10
