"What's he mean by the 'firstfuits' thing?" the D-Line coach asked.
We were just starting in to our Fall 2013 "Hard-Hat Spirituality" study of James. A weekly Coaches Huddle. 30 quick minutes in the Word.
After noting that James was Jesus' 1/2 brother, who grew up with Jesus in the home of Joseph the Carpenter (cf. Matthew 13:53-56), who didn't buy into his brother's identity or mission (cf. John 7:1-5) until after the resurrection (cf. 1 Cor 15:3-6)...we took a look at the best thing God ever did for us.
"Out of the exercise of His will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits among His creatures" (James 1:18).
"Comes from the Old Testament," I said. "The first and the best of a field's crops were given to God. The first and the best of a flock was given to God. Firstfruits means the 'first' and the 'best.' When God gives us birth into His family, by the word of truth, we become a 'kind of firstfruits' among all the rest of His creatures."
You could hear the mental wheels turning, and the thought of that sinking in. "Among all those whom God has created in His world, His children - to those whom He has given spiritual birth - they are to be the first and the best on the planet. More particularly, as God's men on this coaching staff, you are His firstfruits."
The most thrilling moments in my life happen when the Word of God sinks in and changes a paradigm, lifts the heart, and repurposes a life. If you are a follower of Jesus, a Good God has given you a perfect "from above" gift. Birth into his family, SO THAT you are a firstfuits among His creatures.
Love the Word. Live the Word.
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