"We also assume responsibility for bringing to the house of the LORD each year the first fruits of our crops and of every fruit tree. As it is also written in the Law, we will bring the firstborn of our sons and of our cattle, of our herds and of our flocks to the house of our God, to the priests ministering there.”
As a kid, we had two large dogs…and at the end of a meal, if there were just a few leftovers, we would toss them in the dogs bowl, much to their enjoyment. We gave them the leftovers because for one reason or another we didn’t want or need them. We had reserved the best parts of the meal for the members of our family…when the serving dishes were full, the food was fresh and warm. Feeding our family took priority over feeding our dogs…but if there was anything left on the backend, then the dogs would get a bite. Our lives are kind of like this dinner table example…we are blessed with 24 hours in each day and a whole mess of talents and abilities. We get to choose how we use those hours and how we put to use those blessings that we have been given. But inevitably, at the end of each day, there always seems to be something that either gets squeezed in at the last minute or set aside for another day…falling near the bottom of our daily priority list. If we step back and examine our day, where does God land on the priority list? Does he get a plate at the start of the day, when the meal is untouched and warm, or does he get some of the leftovers, if any, that might be available at the end of the day? The part of the text above in Nehemiah that grabbed my attention was the words “first fruits” and “firstborn”…indicating that the people in this time gathered up all the items of value that the Lord had provided (fruits, livestock, etc.) and gave a portion to the Lord first…before serving themselves or others…evidence that the Lord held the top spot in their world. Do we do this in our lives today? When a paycheck comes in, do we give to the Lord first before paying the bills…or does God get left off the list as the funds dry up? Do we give to God first in terms of our time each day…or do we try to squeeze in a few prayers at the close of the day? Do we look to serve him through helping others in need each day…or do we plan to do that someday down the line when we are a little less busy? What a privilege we have to serve the Lord each day, placing him above all else…to give to him before giving to others or ourselves. May we embrace this opportunity each day, serving the Lord first with our time, talents, and gifts. To God be the glory!
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