Moment of Meditation: First Fruits (1 Corinthians 15:20)

But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.
(1 Corinthians 15:20)

First Fruits

Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia!

Here is the other side of the coin from last time. Jesus has been raised from the dead. Therefore He will be the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.

This word "firstfruits" comes from the very beginning of the Mosaic ceremonial Law. When the Israelites first took possession of the Promised Land and reaped its first sanctified harvest, they were to present the first portion of the harvest to God as a sacrifice of thanksgiving for God's providence (Leviticus 23:9-14). This is also in line with God's covenantal command with Israel: "Consecrate to Me all the firstborn" (Exodus 13:2).

So also Jesus is "the firstborn among many brothers" (Romans 8:29). Those who fall asleep--those who die with faith in Jesus Christ--will rise again. Paul continues his thought: "For as by a man came death, but a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive" (vv21-22).

This should be the main hope for all Christians--to be raised with Jesus Christ on the Last Day so that we may worship him throughout all eternity in all righteousness, innocence and blessedness. Is this your hope? Amen.