2 Kings 19:1-37; Jeremiah 52:1-34; 1 Timothy 3:1-16
Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. James 1:18
Every good and perfect gift comes down from the unchangeable “Father of lights” (James 1:17). Out of His own good and transcendent will and through the Word of truth, we were born again. But here we see that His purpose in giving us this new life was that we would be the firstfruits of His creatures. Under the law, God received the firstfruits, the best of the harvest. We are the firstfruits of a new, sinless, God-glorifying creation. On your darkest day, never forget what amazing grace has done! You’re part of the firstfruits! Praise Him! —David W. Oliver
Firstfruits of Thy new creation: faithful, holy, may we be;
Joyful in Thy great salvation, daily more conformed to Thee. —C. Wesley