Firstfruits

In an ongoing TV series, it’s not unusual to see video clips of the previous segment to help viewers recall where they are in the story-line. Likewise, as kids return from summer vacation, teachers sometimes give a brief overview to get students up to speed. In a series of sermons preachers seem to use this review method on the off-chance that there is someone new in the audience, or that the audience has forgotten last week's message. However, for those of us who were in attendance the previous week, the review is unnecessary and frustrating. When the review takes up the first half of the time allotted for the message then it is no longer the firstfruits of the pastor’s preparation, it’s a re-run. Proverbs said, “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” (Proverbs 3:9-10 NIV).