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To tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth…as she places her hand on the Bible, her other hand raised, she recites the oath to give an honest account of what she experienced. And so, her story begins…
Moses has led the people away from Egypt, through the wilderness, and now to the Promised Land of Canaan. Before the Israelites enter, God speaks through Moses to instruct the people on how to live holy lives pleasing unto Him.
In Deuteronomy 26, Moses goes over what they are to do when they have the first fruits of their harvest. While some might be excited and joyful over what their hard work has produced, it’s not for them to enjoy. It’s to be offered unto the Lord as a reminder of where the blessing came from.
“That thou shalt take of the first of all the fruit of the earth, which thou shalt bring of thy land that the LORD thy God giveth thee, and shalt put it in a basket, and shalt go unto the place which the LORD thy God shall choose to place his name there. And thou shalt go unto the priest that shall be in those days, and say unto him, I profess this day unto the LORD thy God, that I am come unto the country which the LORD sware unto our fathers for to give us. And the priest shall take the basket out of thine hand, and set it down before the altar of the LORD thy God. And thou shalt speak and say before the LORD thy God, A Syrian ready to perish was my father, and he went down into Egypt, and sojourned there with a few, and became there a nation, great, mighty, and populous: And the Egyptians evil entreated us, and afflicted us, and laid upon us hard bondage: And when we cried unto the LORD God of our fathers, the LORD heard our voice, and looked on our affliction, and our labour, and our oppression: And the LORD brought us forth out of Egypt with a mighty hand, and with an outstretched arm, and with great terribleness, and with signs, and with wonders: And he hath brought us into this place, and hath given us this land, even a land that floweth with milk and honey. And now, behold, I have brought the firstfruits of the land, which thou, O LORD, hast given me. And thou shalt set it before the LORD thy God, and worship before the LORD thy God: And thou shalt rejoice in every good thing which the LORD thy God hath given unto thee, and unto thine house, thou, and the Levite, and the stranger that is among you.” (Deuteronomy 26:2-11)
Why did they have to go through a historical account when they brought forth their offering?
After years of working the ground, blood, sweat, and tears poured out, and you see that first sprig of green pop up! You imagine all the things you can make with it and exactly how it will taste. But, wasn’t it God who blessed you with it in the first place? The land, the privilege to work the land, the tools and the knowledge, and the new life springing from the earth… it’s all from God! And for that, He deserves praise!
This historical account was praise to God for what He had done for them. It acted as a reminder of what they had experienced and how God brought them through devastating times.
Do you ever stop to give God praise for what He’s brought you through? The deserts, the valleys, the extreme hardships and losses that you thought would crush you, and yet, here you are, holding blessings in your hand. What He has done for you is your testimony!
Praise Him!
Praise Him!
Tell of His excellent greatness! Shout His praises from the rooftop! Let everyone know that Jesus Christ is Lord and worthy of all Praise! Only Jesus is worthy of praise and honor for the bountiful blessings in our lives!
Praise Him!
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