Firstfruit Potential
This weekend we consider aspects associated with Christ building His Church. In particular, we think about what being a part of the body of Christ means to us as individuals. We are clearly moving deeper into events that shape the end of the age – that period Christ said would be the sign of His coming. This is a good time to reflect on the journey that God’s calling has led you. We can use it as a means to evaluate the road that is still before each one of us.
The Day of Pentecost reminds us of our potential as firstfruits. But we are still living mortal lives, waiting for that potential to be unlocked. We have the “earnest of our inheritance” while waiting for the “redemption of the purchased possession”. It is what we do while we wait that is of great importance in this end-time.
We have been called now to prepare to rule and reign with Christ after He returns.
In reality, some of the physical aspects of our lives are thrown at us by the god of this world, as he still maintains influence in that role. Pentecost reminds us that he has a finite amount of time and that the family of God, comprised of spirit-born sons, will rule with and under Jesus Christ after His return — the Firstfruit with the firstfruits. However, Satan’s awareness that his days are numbered has consequences for our lives.
Reflection upon our Church journey begs the question – are we in for the long haul? Do we still remain as committed to our covenant obligations as we were when we were baptized?
Everything about this age in which we find ourselves is designed to prevent the development of spirit-begotten sons for God’s family. It is either perverting minds so that God’s truth is abhorrent or attempting to stunt the growth and development of those called at this time. Satan would love to blight the crop being prepared for the first harvest.
The breakup and splintering of the Church has been a huge distraction. Many have focused away from the reason for our calling, looking to elements that divide rather than unite. Organizational aspects and corporate thinking have taken precedent.
While some reorganization has been necessary, we must not allow the main goal of our calling to lose significance.
The author of the book of Hebrews wrote about this aspect of our spiritual lives when he wrote: “Today … do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion” (Hebrews 3:7-8). This is a reference to the example of Israel, which Paul said is written for our admonition and learning.
We must identify and reject aspects of our environment which can cause any hardening of hearts. The firstfruit crop is important to God’s overall plan of salvation.
Our freedom is true freedom. Listen carefully to Paul’s admonition. “Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage” (Galatians 5:1). “For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death” (Romans 8:2).
Pentecost is a great day for us to pause and reflect upon what it really means to be a part of the “ecclesia” – the Church – at this important time in human history.
Brian Orchard
