by Laurel Johnson
by Laurel Johnson
WORD in antiquity is both a noun and a verb. Christ is the WORD of God, and the WORD of God created our heavens and earth.
Blessed and blessings continue this activity of God and of creation. As crops and wheat ripen, and trees and vines bear fruit, we are also directed to produce and share our “first fruits” in gratitude to God.
Stewardship season is harvest season for a reason, and we need to examine who we are, what we have, and how we are called to share our “first fruits.” Our readings this week assure us who we are. We are God’s people; how we are to give, joyfully; honorably, and the authenticity of our gifts as being one of many in the body of Christ.
First Fruits are interesting. In our joy, we share—first. My earliest church song in cradle roll class was the Offering Song
Dropping, dropping
Dropping, dropping,
Hear the pennies fall. Everyone for Jesus, He will get them all.
In thinking through this simple song, I never questioned how Jesus would get my pennies. I believed back then, and I believe now that Jesus does indeed get all we give in His name. Jesus within the Triune God still gets all our gifts of time, energy, creativity, song, visits, preaching, teaching, advocating, administering, and all additional work through monetary offerings.
We want to do God’s will and work each in our own unique way as joyfully and as generously as we can. We are truly blessed to be that blessing.
Laurel's reflection is based on this Sunday's readings: Exodus 12:1-14, Psalm 149, Romans 13:8-14, and Matthew 18:15-20.
Laurel and husband Kerry are 10+ year members of Ascension. We both enjoy singing in the choir.