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1 Once you enter the land that God, your God, is giving you as an inheritance and take it over and settle down, 2 you are to take some of all the firstfruits of what you grow in the land that God, your God, is giving you, put them in a basket and go to the place God, your God, sets apart for you to worship him. 3 At that time, go to the priest who is there and say, "I announce to God, your God, today that I have entered the land that God promised our ancestors that he'd give to us." 4 The priest will take the basket from you and place it on the Altar of God, your God. 5 And there in the Presence of God, your God, you will recite, A wandering Aramean was my father, he went down to Egypt and sojourned there, he and just a handful of his brothers at first, but soon they became a great nation, mighty and many. 6 The Egyptians abused and battered us, in a cruel and savage slavery. 7 We cried out to God, the God-of-Our-Fathers: He listened to our voice, he saw our destitution, our trouble, our cruel plight. 8 And God took us out of Egypt with his strong hand and long arm, terrible and great, with signs and miracle-wonders. 9 And he brought us to this place, gave us this land flowing with milk and honey. 10 So here I am. I've brought the firstfruits of what I've grown on this ground you gave me, O God. 11 And rejoice! Celebrate all the good things that God, your God, has given you and your family; you and the Levite and the foreigner who lives with you. (Deauteronomy 26:1-11 The Message Bible)
It's day two of Lent, dear Friend Did you give up chocolate? Soft drinks? Or as I said at the beginning of this devotional, did you just give up? Please don't! God isn't through with you, or with us or with whatever we are facing; we hope and trust in God.
Many a parent has told their child or children, remember where you came from, meaning that the traditions, values, experiences, and all things along the way are worth remembering. Many have told me, "You have so many stories!" Which I think it's their very nice way of saying, "You talk too much!" Okay, some may think that but seldom say it to me. They might tell Nellie and she's too sweet to relay to me that which is not helpful to this old man. All of us have had experiences and memories that if remembered help others. I'm one of many who say, "How I wish I had made more time to sit with my grandfathers and my grandmother and really paid attention to their stories. And now that they're gone I wish I still had my Dad and Mom to talk to; so many questions that I need answers that only they can answer. And how I wish my grandkids had that wisdom now to ask more about our life stories and faith stories. In fact, we are thankful that the Bible is our family stories of faith which teach us a lot. Those who say that to us in love, mean for us to always be thankful for what we had in terms of love, compassion, faith lessons, etc.
Deuteronomy 26:1-11 offers a beautiful picture of worship that is deeply connected to the rhythms of life and the recognition of God's goodness. As the Israelites are about to enter a land of promise and abundance, they are called to remember their humble beginnings and God's faithfulness in their journey. The offering of the firstfruits is not just about the physical act of giving, but about a heart that remembers and acknowledges God's hand in every blessing.
In the passage, the act of bringing the first of their harvest before God is a declaration of gratitude. It is a way of saying, “This is all from you, God. We would not be here without your faithfulness.” The people are reminded to not only look back on their history with thanksgiving but to also look forward with trust in God's continued provision.
Lent invites us into a season of reflection, repentance, and renewal. Just as the Israelites were called to remember their past and offer the firstfruits of their harvest, we are called to offer the firstfruits of our lives—our time, our resources, our gratitude—to God during this season. The heart of Lenten practice is not just about abstaining from certain habits or indulgences but about offering our whole selves—our hearts, our minds, our actions—to God, who has given us everything.
In times of uncertainty, it is easy to focus on what we lack or what we want. Yet, this passage encourages us to look back and recount God's faithfulness, even in the midst of hardship. When we remember how God has provided in the past, we can trust that God will continue to provide in the future.
PRAYER: Lord, we thank You for Your steadfast faithfulness. You have brought us through many seasons and have been with us every step of the way. As we walk through this Lenten journey, help us to remember Your goodness and to offer our hearts as living sacrifices, filled with gratitude for all that You have done. May we not only reflect on Your past provision but also trust in Your future care. Guide us to give our firstfruits—not just from our resources, but from our time, our love, and our devotion. May we be generous in all things, reflecting Your generosity to the world around us. In Jesus’ strong name we pray, Amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! OUR CALL TO ACTION: This week, take time each day to recount one way God has been faithful to you—whether in your past or your present. Let this be a moment to cultivate a heart of gratitude and trust. Consider how you might offer the firstfruits of your time, talents, or resources during this season of Lent, in response to God’s generosity toward you.
I love you and I thank God for you!
Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.
