🌾First Fruits - Wednesday Bible Session

First Fruits

Wednesday Bible Session

Prepared by Elder Dave



The Essence of Bikkurim

First Fruits, known as Bikkurim, represents the offering of the first and best portion of our lives to God. It is more than a ritual; it is a profound expression of our spiritual priorities.

  • Gratitude and Honor: It expresses our thankfulness and faith in God's provision.

  • The Trust Test: Giving the "first" trains the heart to trust God before the full harvest is gathered.

  • Source Recognition: It serves as a reminder that God is the source of every blessing we receive.

  • Priority over Leftovers: True worship gives God the first place rather than what remains at the end.

The Holy Week Connection

The celebration of First Fruits is deeply intertwined with the timeline of Christ's sacrifice and victory.

  • The Passion Timeline:

    • Palm Sunday (March 29): Jesus enters Jerusalem.

    • Good Friday (April 3): The Crucifixion and death of our Lord.

    • Holy Saturday (April 4): Christ resting in the tomb.

    • Easter Sunday (April 5): Christ is risen, becoming the "First Fruits" of the resurrection.

  • The Ultimate Fulfillment: Jesus is God's initial offering, securing a future resurrection for all believers.

Biblical Symbols vs. Folklore

We must distinguish between sacred biblical instructions and cultural symbols that do not align with Scripture.

  • The Tallit and Tzitzit:

    • The Tallit is a prayer shawl representing God’s presence and protection.

    • The Tzitzit (fringes) represent the 613 commandments (Mitzvot) of the Torah.

    • Gematria (numerology) links the strings and knots of the tzitzit to the total number of divine obligations.

  • The Rabbit Symbol:

    • Rabbits have roots in pagan spring rituals and fertility symbols.

    • Scripture classifies the hare as an "unclean" animal, unfit for holy celebration.

  • The "Nimrod" Misconception:

    • Pop culture (like Bugs Bunny) repurposed "Nimrod" as a term for a fool.

    • Genesis 10:8-9 identifies Nimrod as a "mighty hunter," the son of Cush.

The Ceremony of Giving

When we present our offerings today, we follow a pattern of consecration and blessing.

  • The Offering: Families present tithes or physical symbols (like fruit or grain) to honor God’s provision.

  • The Pastor's Hands:

    • The lower hand receives the seed in the earthly realm for ministry.

    • The upper hand symbolizes heavenly authority and covering.

  • Anointing with Oil:

    • Frankincense: Points to our prayers and worship rising to the Father.

    • Myrrh: Represents sacrifice, purification, and dying to self.

Reflection: Ask Yourself

  • Am I giving God my best attention, or just my leftovers?

  • Do I trust God with my income and resources before I see the final results?

  • Is my obedience delayed by doubt, or am I moving in faith?

Closing Prayer & Scriptural Promise 

"Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know." — Jeremiah 33:3

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