“And it shall be, when thou art come in unto the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee for an inheritance, and possessest it, and dwellest therein; [2] That thou shalt take of the first of all the fruit of the earth, which thou shalt bring of thy land that the Lord thy God giveth thee, and shalt put it in a basket, and shalt go unto the place which the Lord thy God shall choose to place his name there.” Deuteronomy 26:1-2
The children of Israel, after wandering in the wilderness for forty years, finally arrived at the land that God had promised them. This land, flowing with milk and honey, was a gift from God, an inheritance that they were to possess and dwell in. As they settled into their new homes, planting vineyards and harvesting crops, they were reminded of God’s instructions.
God desired them to give a small portion back to Him. He asked them to take the first fruits of their harvest and offer it as a sign of gratitude and recognition of His provision. This act of giving was not just about the physical produce; it was about acknowledging that everything they had was a gift from God.
As I read this story, I can’t help but think of my own life and the many gifts God has given me. It makes me reflect on my responsibility to give back.
I find it hard to understand a selfish point of view where someone pretends that they somehow brought themselves into this world. We did not create ourselves. Every talent, opportunity, and blessing we have is a gift from God.
Take my job, for instance. The work I do is only possible because God has gifted me with the necessary skills and abilities. Yes, hard work is required, but the ability to do the job must also be there, and that is a gift from God.
My children, to whom God has blessed me with, are another example. While I must be diligent in raising them, they are ultimately a gift from God. Their presence in my life brings immense joy and responsibility.
The church I attend is also a blessing from God. Even though I must do my part to be faithful and involved, the church itself is a gift. It provides a blessing to my family where I can grow in my faith and serve others.
All these areas are reminders of the gifts God has bestowed upon me. It is my responsibility to give back to God, just as the Israelites did with their first fruits. This giving back is a way of honoring God and showing gratitude for all He has done.
In conclusion, Deuteronomy 26:1-2 teaches us the importance of recognizing God’s gifts and responding with a heart of gratitude and generosity. Let us remember to offer back to God a portion of what He has given us, acknowledging His provision and goodness in our lives.
