Living as Firstfruits
James, brother of Jesus, authored this book to a general
audience: to the twelve tribes scattered among the nations”-a figurative
reference to believers worldwide. That general address includes Christians of
all times and places.
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down
from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting
shadows. He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be
a kind of firstfruits of all He created."
The first fruits of any crop are the favorites; the sweetest
and most desired of the total harvest. It’s kind of an uplifting feeling to be
the favored, yet with that comes responsibility.
I remember feeling very inferior as a child within my
classroom. I was close to the bottom of the social hierarchy, and my clothes
were an obvious illustration of that. The feelings of being less than many of
the other “cool” kids was burdensome, but I do recall being able to go
basically unnoticed, while the popular and over-achieving students had a burden
of their own. They were always in the spotlight, so had to be at the top of
their game in order to hold up to their reputation. I’m not sure which of us
carried a heavier load, but I do know that I learned a great deal about how not
to treat others, and often thought about how I would handle things if I were
one of the favorites. Little did I know back then, that I was a firstfruit in
the eyes of the Lord and that was all that mattered.
Realizing we are firstfruits of the Lord, brings us to an
obligation to do as our God commands; to Love God, love others, and reach out to others in His name. Understanding our role in this world as
modern day disciples of Jesus helps us find our way through the maze of
humanness, and guides to the life that was intended for us.
James goes on to say “My dear brothers, take note of this;
Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry,
for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.
Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and
humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.”
Amen.
Read/Listen to James 1: 17-21
