tribesofsinai2024

FIRSTBORN: Soon after the firstborn of Egypt were killed the Lord commanded the Israelites to –

“Consecrate to me every firstborn male. The first offspring of every womb among the Israelites belongs to me, whether human or animal.”^[1]

“You are to give over to the Lord the first offspring of every womb. All the firstborn males of your livestock belong to the Lord. Redeem with a lamb every firstborn donkey, but if you do not redeem it, break its neck. Redeem every firstborn among your sons.”^[2]

So, instead of sacrificing their firstborn, the Israelites were to consecrate them to the Lord and redeem them with a sacrificial lamb.

FIRSTFRUITS: For the three main annual feasts no one was to appear before the Lord empty-handed.^[3] All were to bring the best of the first fruits of the soil into the house of the LORD.^[4]

These offerings of firstfruits from the womb and from the land are to serve as a means of sanctifying the entire community and harvest. By consecrating the first portion to God, the Israelites can expect His blessing and favour upon the remainder of their children and crops. By giving to the LORD the best of the first part of every family, economic gain or blessing everything becomes holy and is brought into right relationship and perspective.

Seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well.^[5]

FREEWILL OFFERING: After 40 days and nights in the cloud that looked like a consuming fire on the top of Mount Sinai, The LORD told Moses to tell the Israelites to bring him a special offering. The special materials for the tabernacle were to come not from the normal rhythm of giving but a freewill offering from each man whose heart prompted him to give.^[6] Giving to create a sacred space for fellowship with the LORD needs to be from the heart. 

ZAKAT 

Muslims whose personal wealth exceeds the nisab (threshold of wealth) must pay Zakat, usually 2.5% every lunar year. Those who are unable to pay are exempt.  

It is interesting to note that holidays for the Jews require generous giving of the best produce from the land in order to celebrate together while the most holy month for Muslims requires fasting. Having said that many Muslims find a way to rest through the fasting daylight hours of Ramadan and feast and celebrate through the night. In many Muslim countries, more food is consumed during Ramadan than at any other time!

Through the Ramadan fast, Muslims acknowledge Allah’s sovereignty and demonstrate their commitment by reciting and obeying the Quran. Through the process, they generate a strong sense of communal solidarity. The more radical ones may be stirred up to hate Jews and non-Muslims. 

As we watch the moon waning the excitement is growing for the Eid at the end of Ramadan and the holidays to begin. Today my wife was informed that the school where she teaches will be closed all next week for the Eid holiday. 

Reflection 

What do you give your first and best time, energy, and money to? 

Prayer 

Thanksgiving that the Abraham faiths all provide special holidays for the whole community, where the less wealthy are included.  

Thanksgiving for the few Christians here who honour the Lord through generous giving, especially to those in need. 

Please pray for Ahmed a guy who works in our local shop. Yesterday he wanted to know if he could marry one of our relatives. This led to an interesting conversation about raising our children to marry Christians and why that was important. That naturally led to a conversation about Jesus, his cross and resurrection and an invitation to visit his family. 

^[1] Exodus 13:2.

^[2] Exodus 13:12-13.

^[3] Exodus 23:15.

^[4] Exodus 23:19.

^[5] Matthew 6:33.

^[6] Exodus 25:1-2.