EXODUS 23:19 – The best of the firstfruits of your ground you shall bring into the house of the Lord your God. You shall not boil a young goat in its mother’s milk.”

Today’s scripture is God giving His people of old the descriptions and instructions about the laws concerning the Sabbath and festivals.  If we go all the way back to Exodus 20 and read through Exodus 23, we are going to see how precise and detailed God is with His people concerning His laws.  From Exodus 20:1-21 is the giving of His Ten Commandments and the fearful response of His people.  Then in Exodus 20:22-26 are the instructions about the law and alters. Moving into chapter 21, Exodus 21:1-32 are the laws concerning slaves. The end of the chapter, Exodus 21:33-36 and carrying over to Exodus 22:1-15 are the laws concerning restitution.  Continuing God’s detailed instructions, He addresses the laws about social justice in Exodus 22:16-31 and ends with Exodus 23:9

Now we come to the chapter containing today’s scripture which are instructions for observing the Sabbath and festivals. When it comes to these observances, note the first two words – “the best.”  God would not accept leftovers or even good of the first fruits.  He gets the best and only the best.

What about us?  In our seeking of the Lord in prayer and His Word, what do we give Him? Does He get the best of our time each day?  That would be defined as when we are most alert, have the most energy, and free from distractions, especially self-imposed ones.  Here is a good verse for pondering and evaluating ourselves when it comes to giving the Lord our best.  It is from the prophet Jeremiah and serves as warning – Cursed is he who does the work of the Lord with slackness, and cursed is he who keeps back his sword from bloodshed (Jeremiah 48:10). What an indictment upon us if we are half-hearted in the things of the Lord and only give Him leftovers of ourselves; our time and energy seeking Him.

The Apostle Paul’s writings to the Corinthians applies to us as well, what the Lord is to get from us in everything – So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31).  He would further emphasize our Christian life is about God getting the best of us, not leftovers, in his letter to the Colossians – Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ (Colossians 3:23-24).

Right now would be a good time, but might prove to be uncomfortable, to ask this question – Do we give the same amount of our time, same amount of excitement, and same amount of energy seeking the Lord as we do a hobby, pursuit, form of entertainment, or desire that is a passion and commitment in our lives?  Don’t go light on this question.  The Lord is too worthy and good to get leftovers.

PRAYER: “Lord, forgive me for the times I place my interests above Yours.”

QUOTE: “Don’t give leftovers of your time and energy to God. He deserves our best in both.”