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WATCHMAN CATHOLIC CHARISMATIC RENEWAL MOVEMENT FIRST FRUIT FASTING FELLOWSHIP 2025 (PREMIUM EDITION) Day 3
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Theme: RIDING ON THE HIGH PLACES OF THE EARTH
Texts: Isa.8:18, 49:5, 58:8-11,14
Topic: HONOURING THE MOST HIGH WITH YOUR SUBSTANCE
Subtext: (PRIORITIZING GOD’S POSITION) Pro.3:9,10
There is a principle in the kingdom that is based on recognition of the Sovereignty of the Lord as the faithful Provider, called the First Fruits Principle.
The principle reflected in Abel‟s choice of animal for sacrifice (Gen.4:4), and God‟s clear instruction to His people in the Law (Gen.49:3; Exo.13:12-16; Num.18:5). Even the products of the soil were inclusive (Exo.23:19; 3:25). Choice portion was taken and given to the Levite or priest (Num.18:12-13; Deut.18:3,4). It was a voluntary exercise (con. Acts 5:1-5). However, the first fruits fall in the class of dedicated things which are required to be devoted to God (Ezek.44:29).
The Hebrew word
cherem translated “
dedicated” in Ezek.44:29, was translated “
devoted” in Lev.27:21,28,29, and “
accursed” in Jos.6:18a; 7:1,11,12,13,15.
The offering was brought to the house of God or handed over to a priest with a testimony (Deut.26:1-10), who in turn released the blessing (Ezek.44:30).
While no statement was made on failure to obey, as it was expected that all should know that every divine instruction is for the good of His people (Deut.5:33; 6:1-2); the Scriptures reveal overflow following obedience (Pro.3:9,10).
Now, the word „First Fruits‟ was used figuratively for
Israel (Jer.2:3);
Christ in His resurrection (1Cor.15:20,23),
Holy Spirit (Rom.8:23);
believers (Jas.1:18),
the saved remnant of Israel (Rom.11:16);
the first converts in an area (Rom.16:5; 1Cor.16:15).
It is in the light of this figurative expression of first fruits that we choose to begin our year (according to our church‟s calendar) with waiting on the Lord in prayer and fasting for the first 21 days; then after to take every first 3 days of every month to do the same.
The same position is taken in giving God a quality chunk of our first income. Some people argue that first fruits pertain to agricultural products alone (animals and farm produce). But that argument does not hold any water. The people were farmers and the principle was revealed to them in the backdrop of their occupation. The child of God is to follow
the Spirit of the word and not the letters as the Pharisees ignorantly did (Mk.2:23-28; Matt. 22:29).
The first fruiter gives God quality chunk of his resource based on his recognition and appreciation of the Person of God as the Source of the resources (Ps.24:1; 50:10-14; 1Sam.2:30).
It must be noted that the recommendation to give ALL that comes into one‟s purse in the first month which is not a law, is a combination of 2 principles viz (i) first fruits (ii) sacrifice; and such giving is highly rewarding (1Sam. 2:30; Pro.3:8,9; 2Cor.9:6-7,8; Gal.6:7).
Whenever one is led to give his first fruits out to an individual, the tithe must be brought out and paid into the church purse (as tithe in our ministry is meant to be brought into the church coffers, and not paid to any pastor).
Once again, the first fruits principle is a principle of prosperity in the kingdom, and remains optional.
The slogan is: “give God the first and He will bless the rest” (Pro.3:9,10). Such givers will juggle irrespective of the socio-economic climate prevalent in their area (Isa.58:11).
We shall continue in our exposition on the principles of the kingdom that will enable us to juggle in the jubilee terrain.