The consecration of the firstborn once again points to the theme of loyalty to God. As the firstborn had more property rights than later born offspring, we see that when they are given to God, this is keeping with the understanding of family identity being caught up with God.
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| This looked to me like a pillar of cloud when I saw it at Yellowstone in 2007. |
For a herding people, the first fruits of the flock are listed here. Since we have now settled down in cities and towns for the most part, our giving has shifted into money deposited in the offering plate. Some have transitioned even further, setting up the regular transition of funds electronically into the church's coffers.
Our gifts to God in these new ways signify our loyalty no less than they did in the time of the Exodus.
These first gifts are in response to the freedom they have received in God. They are still witnesses to God leading them as they see the twin pillars of cloud and fire.
As God continues to lead us today in more subtle ways, what is our response of loyalty? Have we given of our first fruits or do we contribute left-overs? How might our giving change if we imagined ourselves consecrated to God?
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