FIRSTFRUITS
CHURCH
Part
ten of fourteen in Commanded Holy Days
Importance Today series
The Israelites first planted barley in
Canaan, their Promised Land. This first
harvest was the grain offering which the priest was to wave one sheaf, or
bundle, before the LORD.
Mary Magdalene wept outside Jesus’
empty tomb.
“Woman, why
are you crying?” Mistaking Jesus
for the gardener, Mary answered, “Sir, if you have carried Him away, ...”
“Mary.”
Mary froze. She knew that voice. Crying out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” she started
toward Him.
Backing away, Jesus warning her, “Do not hold onto Me, for I have not yet returned to the
Father.” (John 20:11-17).
Jesus links the opening Old
Testament Scripture to New Testament fulfillment. As the newly-resurrected grain harvest wave-sheaf,
Jesus presented Himself to the Father. Yahweh
accepted Christ’s sacrifice as payment-in-full for our sin the same day during spring harvest when the grain sheaf is waved before
the LORD!
(Matthew 28:9 shows the “secret
ascension.” Jesus ascended to and was accepted
by the Father. Afterwards, He welcomed
human contact).
Christ is the firstborn over all
creation AND the firstborn from the dead.
(See lesson linked below). Romans
8:9 claims Jesus Christ is the firstborn
of many brethren. The New Testament
Church is also considered firstfruits. 1
Corinthians 16:15 calls the first-century Christians the firstfruits of God’s
calling.
Firstfruits Church Paul calls Firstfruits of the Spirit in Romans 8:23. How many—from that firstfruits Church and
through the centuries—have truly accepted and followed Christ the way that He
taught? How many truly deny themselves,
accepting the Father’s will over their own?
God’s Kingdom is represented in His
Holy Days. He longs to save all people by offering eternal life with
Him forever! We’re the beginning of the
harvest for the Kingdom of God.
Apostle Paul teaches, “But Christ has
indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen
asleep … For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.” (1 Corinthians 15:20, 22).
Anyone called and chosen by God is
included with Christ as God’s firstfruits.
Take Home Nugget
Pentecost—God’s
pouring out His Spirit on people expanded His spiritual harvest—also dramatically
turned the world upside down.
Are you ready for another Pentecost
blast turning the world upside down?
“I
will pour out My Spirit on all people.
You sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams,
your young men will see visions. Even My
servants, both men and women, I will pour out My Spirit in those days.” Joel 2:28-29
Adapted from God’s Holy Day
Plan, The Promise of Hope for All Mankind. ©1966, 1998, 2001, 2010, 2013 by the United
Church of Christ. Ohio. Pgs. 25-27.
J.D. Griffith
The latest Christmas eBook by J.D. Griffith:
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