First-fruits of the Future Harvest

My Kitchen 

Creation, full of earthquakes & thorns, groans in eager expectation for Jesus to return and reinstall the unblemished Eden. Man, too, full of even darker issues, yearn for perfection.  

"For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first-fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies." Romans 8:18-25

Believers; however, have more than a desire for perfection; they have a hope for perfection. God has blessed His children with tastes of their divine inheritance as they wait on earth in eager expectation for future glory. These shadows are meant to prepare us for the Son Himself. In the Bible, they are referred to as "first-fruits of the spirit". They include love, faith, and repentance. But, remember, they are only tokens of the real bliss to come. Wow. To think the mountains of Colorado, the purest of loves between husband and wife, and the forgiveness of a friend are only tainted images of the real masterpiece of heaven's holiness.

"For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known." 1 Corinthians 13:12

The first-fruits of the harvest only wet the farmer's appetite. The farmer is not content to settle with the first gathering of food. He worked hard to plant and care for the seeds. He wants the entire yield of his labor. He wants more. So should we. 

"Enlarge thine expectations--Seek great things from the God of heaven and He will give them to thee" Spurgeon

Groaning can be painful, but for Believers, it is beautiful. We still experience the painful side of groaning because our earthly bodies still thirsts after sin. But, our spiritual bodies experience the joyful side of groaning for it groans not of death but of life. The two sides are in conflict and we are warriors fighting for victory. We groan for something better than sin. We groan for holiness. We groan for Jesus. 

How often do you think about heaven? Are your eyes open to the tokens of God's affection which He so freely and abundantly gives you? They are all around you...little things God specifically blesses you with...a sunset, a compliment, a smile, even a front park. God gives us reminders that He is there, that heaven exists, and that one day we will experience the fulness of His benefits. Experience the first-fruits while looking forward to the future harvest.

"Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, 'Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.' And he who was seated on the throne said, 'Behold, I am making all things new.'” Revelation 21:1-5

Lord, Open my eyes to the tokens of your love which you place in my path each day. Keep me from missing out on any of the first-fruits of your Spirit. Remind me daily that this is not my home. The yearning for perfection that you placed in my heart is meant to draw me toward you not the things of this world. Nothing can satisfy my longings but you. I can't wait to collect the entire harvest of holiness when I join you in heaven! Amen. 

☎︎

The Girl Next Door