"So the Lord brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm, with great terror and with signs and wonders. He brought us to this place and gave us this land, a land flowing with milk and honey; and now I bring the firstfruits of the soil that you, Lord, have given me.”

Deuteronomy 26:8-10

While offering the first fruits, the Israelite worshipper was to recite verses 5–10, which summarize God’s gracious acts on his people’s behalf. Starting with Jacob, the patriarch who gave Israel its name, the passage ends with the Israelites arriving in the Promised Land after being freed from Egyptian bondage. Some regard these verses as a kind of early Israelite creed. Significantly, they are recited as part of the traditional Jewish Passover celebration.

Remembering how God helped us in the past wonderfully encourages us to trust him both in the present and in the future. Some Christians record in a journal what the Lord has done for them. Others cherish in their hearts memories of special times when he protected and blessed them. We have a powerful visual aid to remind us of the historical event that changed forever the lives of all who follow Jesus—the bread and wine of Communion! These help us to never forget what Christ did for us at the cross. The first fruits ritual was intended as a joyful celebration. Communion for Christians should never resemble a funeral service. It certainly focuses on Christ’s sacrificial death, but it urges us to rejoice that Christ is risen and will come again!

Closing Prayer

Thank you, Jesus, for leaving us a wonderful memorial meal in Communion, which looks both backward and forward, to your faithfulness and to your promises (edited from Encounter with God).