6 December, 2024

Lesson for May 13, 2018: Bringing Firstfruits (Leviticus 23:9-14, 22)

by | 7 May, 2018 | 0 comments

Dr. Mark Scott wrote this treatment of the International Sunday School Lesson. Scott teaches preaching and New Testament at Ozark Christian College, Joplin, Missouri. This lesson treatment is published in issue no. 4 (weeks 17–20; April 29—May 20, 2018) of The Lookout magazine, and is also available online at www.lookoutmag.com.

______

By Mark Scott 

Our laughter and our tears display our hearts, but our calendars and checkbooks display our priorities. God wanted his people to get first things first. This principle related to every category of their lives. A reoccurring phrase in the book of Leviticus is, “I am the Lord.” God’s peoples’ conduct was inextricably linked to God’s identity. A reoccurring word and concept in the book of Leviticus is holiness. God’s peoples’ conduct was intertwined with God’s integrity. No one could compartmentalize God. He could not be divided. Therefore Israel had no division between secular and sacred. Everything was sacred.

This connection between belief and behavior was especially seen in worship and service; between festivals and offerings. For the most part God’s people were shepherds and farmers. The job of shepherding reminded Israel of God’s way of leadership, and the job of farming reminded Israel of God’s way of provision. A person might serve as a priest, Levite, soldier, or king, but somehow the role of farmer was never far from the whole nation. In fact, the first section of the Mishna (Jewish commentary on the law) is simply labeled “agriculture” (or seeds). When it came to worshipping God Israel would look to the flock and the ground first (see Genesis 4:2-4).

Intentional Giving | Leviticus 2:14; 23:9-14

Firstfruits are exactly what they are. They are the first and best offerings; not the last and least offerings. They are never the dregs. The first seven chapters of Leviticus outline how Israel was to observe the sacrifices and offerings of the Lord. Chapter 1 deals with the burnt offering (called such because they were all burnt up—totally given to God). Chapter 1 deals with the grain offering, which was waved before the Lord in worship and then given to the priests to eat. (The Levites were freed from other job constraints so that they could serve in the tabernacle full-time. Therefore Israel was to provide for them. This was done, in part, through the grain offerings.)

The remarkable thing about the grain offering in chapter 2 was that it was first crushed and roasted. This meant that the grain had moisture in it, which implied that it was early in the harvest season, in other words, “first.” Offering something as firstfruits meant that one would have to depend on God for the rest of the harvest to meet the needs of the family. What if the harvest was small?

Our text in chapter 23 picks up this same emphasis. As was true for peoples and faiths outside of Israel, religious festivals were linked to the fertility of the ground, that is, the harvest. The preceding context of our passage speaks of observing Sabbath and Passover. The following context of our passage speaks of what was essentially the festival of Pentecost. That must mean the grain offering being discussed in our text was the first of the harvest season. To give that back to God was an act of faith. It was a posture of trust that he would supply all needs. The procedure was as follows: the Israelite was to bring the first sheaf (collective head) of grain to the priest. The priest was to wave it (something mentioned three times in the text) before the Lord. This was followed by offering a perfect young lamb along with more of the grain offering which had been mixed with olive oil and presented as a food offering to the Lord. To this was added a drink offering of wine. God was as serious as a heart attack about these instructions. They were to be observed throughout Israel’s history (v. 14). The point of it all, though, was that Israel was to be intentional about it and make sure that God was first in it.

Intentional Leaving | Leviticus 23:22

Giving to the Lord is always two-dimensional. The primary dimension is vertical—to God. But the secondary dimension—and indicative of the vertical—is to others. Israel was commanded by God to leave some of the harvest in the field for the poor and foreigner. This seems counterintuitive. But God was teaching several lessons. Obviously, the needs of the poor could be met. Also, the way that God had Israel do this meant that the poor had to work to collect the harvest in the field, thereby preserving their dignity. Finally, God was reinforcing that his identity was tied to Israel’s obedience. Again, note the phrase, “I am the Lord your God.”

Financial wizard Dave Ramsey (Financial Peace University) says, “We should live like no one else . . . so that we can give like no one else.” Bringing firstfruits ensures God is worshipped and peoples’ needs are met.

________

Lesson study ©2018, Christian Standard Media. Print and digital subscribers are permitted to make one print copy per week of lesson material for personal use. Lesson based on International Sunday School Lesson, ©2013, by the Lesson Committee. Scripture quotations are from the New International Version, ©2011, unless otherwise indicated.

HOME DAILY BIBLE READINGS
May 7: Proverbs 3:1-10
May 8: Revelation 14:1-5
May 9: Philippians 4:15-20
May 10: Leviticus 2:1-10, 14
May 11: Leviticus 22:17-20
May 12: Leviticus 23:1-8
May 13: Leviticus 23:9-14, 22 
<a href="https://christianstandard.com/author/markscott/" target="_self">Mark Scott</a>

Mark Scott

Dr. Mark Scott wrote this treatment of the International Sunday School Lesson. Scott teaches preaching and New Testament at Ozark Christian College, Joplin, Missouri. He also serves as minister with Park Plaza Christian Church in Joplin.

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Latest Articles

Ministry Help Wanted

Recent postings: A director of campus ministry is needed at the University of Illinois (Urbana-Champaign). Stillwater (Pa.) Christian Church is looking for both a lead pastor and a youth pastor. Lexington (Ohio) Church of Christ is seeking a full-time senior minister. Norwin Christian Church in North Huntingdon, Pa., needs a full-time worship minister. Lycoming Christian Church in Linden, Pa., is seeking a minister of children, youth, and young adults. Michigan City (Ind.) Christian Church needs a senior minister. And more . . .

Stories

By taking these symbols of Jesus’ body and blood, we announce we believe there really was a Jesus, and he really did die for us and carried all our sins down to a grave . . .

Documentary Highlights Christian Response to Pandemics

Southeast Christian Church’s “Purpose in Pandemics” is a documentary that follows the response of the church to pandemics throughout history. The “Purpose in Pandemics” website also includes a study guide for small groups and individuals.

Used of God

I soaked up Sam Stone’s wit and wisdom during our lunches together. Afterward, I’d take notes about our conversations. After hearing of his passing, inspired by his wordsmithing, I felt compelled to share just a small part of his story.

Sam E. Stone: ‘He Tried to Speak the Truth in Love’

In memory and appreciation of our former editor, Sam E. Stone, who died early this week, we share this 2011 column from Christian Standard’s archives in which Sam discussed four Scripture verses significant to his life.

Elliott Library ‘Cornerstone’ Laid

Three Bibles of historical significance to Cincinnati Christian University were the first books place on the shelves during relocation of the George Mark Elliott Library.

The Death of Evil

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. saw in minority groups’ struggles for social equality in America a parallel with Israel’s bondage in Egypt. King envisioned God’s goodness would deliver the U.S. from the evil of segregation.

Mark Scott’s Greatest Kingdom Impact

Since I first enrolled at Ozark Christian College, Mark Scott has been my kingdom hero, and I’m not the only young preacher Mark has shaped. Over his 35 years at OCC, Mark has inspired generations of students.

‘Have We Plans for 1921?’

“All the Standard asks is the opportunity to serve, and it yearns to render in 1921 the greatest, finest, and best service of its history. . . .”

CCLF Concluding Strong First Year in Greater Cincinnati

In its first full year, the Christian Church Leadership Foundation has accomplished much to ensure Christian education and resources would continue to be available to people in the Greater Cincinnati area.

News Briefs for Dec. 9

Items from Timber Lake Christian Church (Moberly, Mo.), Choateville Christian Church (Frankfort, Ky.), Johnson University, and more.

My Counsel for Young Preachers

If I were counseling an aspiring young preacher fresh out of Bible college or seminary, champing at the bit to lead in the church, I would offer these three bits of advice.

My Memories of Marshall Leggett

By Ben Merold
As I think about Marshall Leggett, who passed away on March 2 at age 90, two personal experiences keep coming to my mind . . .

Powell Quintuplets Graduating from High School

When the Powell quintuplets were born in 2001, all of Kentucky celebrated, including Southeast Christian Church, where the Powells are longtime members. Now the quints are 18 and are all headed to the same university.

Reentry: It May Be Harder Than We Think

When the COVID-19 crisis eases, I anticipate that reentry is going to be harder than some people think. Churches, especially, need to prepare for this.