1. As those of old their first-fruits brought
of vineyard, flock, and field
to God, the giver of all good,
the source of bounteous yield;
so we today our first fruits bring:
the wealth of this good land,
of farm and market, shop and home,
of mind and heart and hand.
2. A world in need now summons us
to labor, love, and give,
to make our life an offering
to God, that all may live.
The church of Christ is calling us
to make the dream come true:
a world redeemed, by Christ-like love,
all life in Christ made new.
3. With gratitude and humble trust
we bring our best to thee,
to serve thy cause and share thy love
with all humanity.
O thou who gavest us thyself
in Jesus Christ thy Son,
help us to give ourselves each day
until life’s work is done.
As Those of Old Their Firstfruits Brought Video
As Those of Old Their Firstfruits Brought Song Meaning
Title: As Those of Old Their Firstfruits Brought: A Song of Gratitude and Offering
Introduction:
As Those of Old Their Firstfruits Brought is a hymn that celebrates the act of offering and gratitude towards God. This timeless hymn, written by Common Hymnalin, invites believers to bring their first fruits, both tangible and intangible, as an offering to God. With its inspiring lyrics and powerful message, the song encourages Christians to give of themselves and their resources, recognizing that all good things come from God. In this blog post, we will explore the meaning of the song, its inspiration, and the Bible verses that it relates to.
I. The Meaning of the Song:
As Those of Old Their Firstfruits Brought captures the essence of gratitude and giving back to God. The lyrics remind us of the biblical practice of offering the first fruits of the harvest to God, acknowledging Him as the source of all blessings. This act of offering symbolizes our recognition that everything we have comes from God and that we are called to be good stewards of His gifts.
By bringing our first fruits, whether they be material possessions or the fruits of our labor, we demonstrate our gratitude and devotion to God. The song also emphasizes the importance of sharing our blessings with others, as we are called to love and serve one another. It reminds us that our offering should not be limited to physical possessions but should extend to our time, talents, and resources.
II. The Inspiration behind the Song:
While the specific inspiration behind the hymn “As Those of Old Their Firstfruits Brought” is not readily available, it is likely that the author drew from the biblical concept of offering first fruits. The practice of bringing offerings to God dates back to ancient times and is mentioned in various books of the Bible, including Exodus, Leviticus, and Deuteronomy.
In the Old Testament, the Israelites were commanded to bring the first and best of their harvest to the Lord as an act of worship and thanksgiving. This act demonstrated their dependence on God and their commitment to Him. In the New Testament, the concept of offering is expanded to include our entire lives as a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1).
III. Bible Verses Related to the Song:
1. Exodus 23:19 (NIV):
“Bring the best of the firstfruits of your soil to the house of the Lord your God.”
This verse from Exodus emphasizes the importance of offering the best of our harvest to God. Just as the Israelites were commanded to bring their firstfruits to the Lord, we are encouraged to offer our best to Him.
2. Proverbs 3:9-10 (NIV):
“Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.”
These verses remind us that when we honor God with the firstfruits of our crops and wealth, He promises to bless us abundantly. It is a call to trust in God’s provision and to prioritize Him above all else.
3. 2 Corinthians 9:7 (NIV):
“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
This verse highlights the importance of giving willingly and cheerfully. It encourages us to give according to our own convictions and desires, rather than out of obligation. Our giving should stem from a thankful and joyful heart.
IV. Conclusion:
As Those of Old Their Firstfruits Brought is a hymn that calls believers to offer their first fruits to God with gratitude and love. By bringing our best to Him, we acknowledge His provision and express our devotion. This song serves as a reminder that our offering should extend beyond material possessions to include our time, talents, and resources.
The biblical practice of offering first fruits serves as the inspiration for this hymn. It reflects the ancient tradition of dedicating the first and best of the harvest to God as an act of worship and thanksgiving. The lyrics of this hymn invite us to emulate the faithfulness and gratitude demonstrated by our ancestors.
Let us embrace the message of this song and strive to offer our first fruits to God, recognizing that He is the source of all blessings. May our lives be a testament to His goodness and may our giving reflect our love for Him and for others. As we continue to offer ourselves as living sacrifices, may our actions bring glory to God and make a positive impact on the world around us.
Leave a Reply