Deuteronomy 26: 9-11
“He brought us to this place and gave us this land, a land flowing with milk and honey; and now I bring the firstfruits of the soil that you O Lord, have given me.” Place the basket before the Lord your God and bow down before him. And you and the Levites and the aliens among you shall rejoice in all good things the Lord your God has given to you and your household.
A Thought
God had prepared the promised land to flow with milk and honey and the soil to produce fruit for the Israelites. Now God gives them commands to follow his decree to bring the firstfruits in a basket to the priest. On the third year they were to give the tenth of all they produced to the Levite, the alien, the fatherless and the widow so they would have plenty to eat. By doing these decrees the people were declaring that the Lord is God and they would obey his commands. The Lord has declared that this is his people, a treasured possession and they will be a people with honor. We too are God’s treasured people and it is important to honor God with our firstfruits and to share with the needy.
Our Prayer
Father help us to remember that we are your treasured people and that we should honor you with our first gifts and to give to all those in need. We rejoice and praise you in Jesus’ name. Amen.
