Doing Things God’s Way: The Principle of First Fruits
At AHAVA Kingdom Ministries International, we teach that giving God the first of everything is a principle rooted in Scripture and a powerful way to demonstrate our faith and gratitude. The offering of first fruits is a biblical practice that symbolizes giving God our very best, acknowledging Him as the source of all our blessings.
The Biblical Foundation of First Fruits
The concept of first fruits is seen throughout the Bible, beginning with God’s instruction to the Israelites. In Proverbs 3:9-10, we are told:
“Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.”
This scripture clearly establishes the importance of giving the first and best of what we have to God. It is not just a gesture of thanks but an act of honoring God, recognizing that all provision comes from Him.
The first fruits offering is distinct from tithing in that it is given at the beginning of a harvest or a new season, representing the first and best portion of our increase. It reflects our faith in God’s continued provision, trusting Him to bless what remains.
First Fruits: A Sign of Faith and Expectation
Giving our first fruits is an act of faith. In Deuteronomy 26:1-2, God instructed the Israelites:
“When you have entered the land the Lord your God is giving you as an inheritance and have taken possession of it and settled in it, take some of the firstfruits of all that you produce from the soil of the land the Lord your God is giving you and put them in a basket. Then go to the place the Lord your God will choose as a dwelling for his Name.”
This instruction emphasizes that the first fruits were to be given as a symbol of gratitude for the land and the harvest. By offering the first portion, they trusted that God would continue to provide abundantly for them.
In the same way, when we give our first fruits today—whether it be the first earnings of a new job, the first profits of a business, or any new increase—we are acknowledging that God is our provider and trusting Him for the fullness of His blessings in the future.
The Promise of Blessing
God promises to bless those who honor Him with their first fruits. Ezekiel 44:30 says:
“The best of all the firstfruits and of all your special gifts will belong to the priests. You are to give them the first portion of your ground meal so that a blessing may rest on your household.”
This verse underscores that when we give God the best and the first, it invites a blessing upon our household. The principle is simple—when we prioritize God, He ensures that our needs are met abundantly.
Jesus as the First Fruits
In the New Testament, the principle of first fruits is fulfilled in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:20 declares:
“But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.”
Jesus is referred to as the first fruits of the resurrection, symbolizing the guarantee of eternal life for all who believe. Just as Christ was the first to rise from the dead, securing our future resurrection, our offering of first fruits secures God’s ongoing provision and blessings in our lives.
First Fruits in Practice Today
The practice of giving first fruits today is a way of setting the tone for God’s blessing over the entirety of our resources. When we start our new ventures, incomes, or seasons by dedicating the first portion to God, we position ourselves to receive His favor and abundance throughout the rest of the journey.
It is not the amount of the offering that matters, but the heart behind it. In Romans 11:16, it is written:
“If the part of the dough offered as firstfruits is holy, then the whole batch is holy; if the root is holy, so are the branches.”
This teaches us that when we dedicate the first part to God, it sanctifies the rest.
Conclusion
At AHAVA Kingdom Ministries International, we encourage believers to practice the principle of first fruits, offering the first and best of their increase to God. It is an act of faith that invites God’s abundant blessings and protection over every area of our lives.
As you give your first fruits, remember that you are honoring God and trusting Him to bless the rest. Just as He provided for the Israelites and fulfilled His promises, He will surely provide for you. Give Him your first and watch how He fills your barns to overflowing and your vats with new wine.