Festival of Firstfruits; God's Timely Provision

by Michele Husfelt on March 21, 2022

During this season of Lent, I’ve found myself more contemplative and reflective about a handful of themes weaving their way through Scripture. One is the Festival of Firstfruits found in Leviticus. Moses instructed the Israelites, “When you arrive in the land I am giving you and you harvest your first crops, bring the priest some grain from the first portion of your grain harvest. On the day after the Sabbath, the priest will lift it up before the Lord, so it may be accepted on your behalf” (Leviticus 23:10-11).

 Ironically, the day Esther petitioned King Ahasuerus was also the day of the Festival of Firstfruits (Esther 3:7-15, 5:1). On the day set aside to offer God the first and the best, Queen Esther offered her very life.

 Even more amazing is the fact that Resurrection Sunday also falls on the Festival of Firstfruits. How incredible that God designated this day for us to offer our best to Him, knowing that ultimately on that same day so many years later He would give His best to us. Paul even refers to Jesus as the firstfruits in 1 Corinthians 15:20, “But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.”

“How incredible that God designated this day for us to offer our best to Him”

As I reflect on these events this Lenten season, I’m reminded of God’s faithfulness, provision, and delight in weaving such love throughout His Word. What might He be showing you as you spend time abiding with Him?