Advent - We Have Found The KingSýnishorn

Throughout the history of God’s people recorded in the Old Testament, the ceremonial law foreshadowed Christ. One aspect of that law was the consecration of the firstruits of the harvest to God—an act of faith that demonstrated reliance on God’s blessing in the greater return of the harvest. Perhaps Paul was here alluding to that part of the Passover ceremony in which a sheaf of barley, the first of the harvest, was waved before the Lord in dedication to Him. Regardless, the offering of the firstfruits represented thankful confidence that God would bless and provide through the whole harvest.

Here, Jesus’ resurrection is equated with this cultural understanding of the first-fruits. Just as a farmer demonstrates reliance on God’s blessing by offering the first produce of the field to God, we have confidence in our resurrection because Jesus is risen—the firstfruits of all who are united to Him through faith. By raising His son, God shows He accepted the ultimate sacrifice. A few verses earlier Paul wrote, “For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures …” It is Christ’s resurrection that completes the gospel message.

The firstfruits have been offered and accepted, and God will bless the harvest. Christ has been raised, and He guarantees the resurrection of those in union with Him. Hallelujah!

Dr. Ken A. Smith, Dean, McLane College of Business