Today’s Scripture Selection: Leviticus 23:10
The LORD said to Moses, “Speak to the Israelites and say to them: ‘When you enter the land I am going to give you and you reap its harvest, bring to the priest a sheaf of the first grain you harvest.
It was a matter of faith, and a sign of commitment. The people of God were to offer to God their first and best: dedicate the crops they had grown, the animals they had raised, and the firstborn of their family (not sacrificed but dedicated, then redeemed, by sacrificial giving).
How different it is today when so many claim the first and the best for themselves because, after all, they have “earned” it.
At the time of this writing, we have just celebrated another Christmas season. I love the gifts that I received – and I enjoyed seeing others enjoy the gifts I gave.
It’s a good time to reflect on how we are called to give our best to God – materially and spiritually.
Of course, what this all points to from a Christian perspective, is that God “so loved the world” that he gave His “only begotten Son” to save it. Talk about giving the first and best!
So, I invite you to reflect – as a New Year begins – to think about what you might offer up to God. Can you find something new, something precious, something of real value, that you can give to God as the “first and best” you offer this year.
I have a feeling that should we be faithful to do this, God will make very, very good use of it.
