Today’s chapter rises into the illustrations of the highest privilege of life on earth, the worship of God.
V.1-4 The lovely story of their bringing a basket of the fruit first harvested in the beautiful land of promise into which they were now to enter. Notice three statements: (1) “come in;” (2) “possess it;” (3) “dwell therein.” Let’s be out and out for Christ. This is the fulfillment of the 7 “I will” promises God had made 40 years before (Read them in Ex. 6). Our life shows how much we are believing God.
V.3 We must take the 3 steps mentioned above, to enjoy (not to receive) our heavenly blessings, and so bring true worship to God. The Israelite did not offer the basket of first-fruits to get into the land, but because he was in it. So often we enjoy our blessing but are so unresponsive in our devotion to Christ.
V.1-11 They must bring the first-fruit they pick to the Lord. Christ is our “first-fruit” (1 Cor. 15:20). True worship is to present Christ to God. There are three beautiful steps in our life in these verses.
V.5 Secondly, to confess what misery we were in before we came to know Christ as our Savior.
V.11 Thirdly, enjoy our blessings with God. Then thoughtfulness and grace flows out to others.
V.12-15 Some believers use tithing — giving a percentage of their income to whom they think deserves it. In this there are two dangers (1) putting ourselves under law again. Clear instruction in 1 Corinthians 16:2. No mention is made of tithing. (2), To forget that all we have is the Lord’s (1 Cor. 6:19-20). He wants our whole heart, not just part of it. Worship comes first. Then caring for others.