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The Harvesting of the Firstfruits
'Prophecy Watch' by Bill KeeseeIn the context of the agricultural imagery used throughout God's Word, the barley harvest holds significant meaning as it relates to the spiritual harvest of God's children. The Feast of Firstfruits, known as the day of the wavesheaf, marked the beginning of the grain harvest when the firstfruits of the barley were offered before the Lord. This early harvest, paralleling Israel's spring grain harvest, symbolizes the initial gathering of God's chosen ones. In ancient times, harvesting barley was a meticulous process, unlike modern methods. The grain had to be cut before it was fully ripe to prevent it from falling out of the husk prematurely. At the stage when the grain was white, transitioning between immature green and fully ripe golden brown, reapers used sharp sickles to cut the standing grain. Determining the right time to cut was critical; too early meant immature grain, and too late risked losing the harvest. After cutting, the stalks were gathered into sheaves, tied together, and stood upright in shocks, resembling a cone shape. These shocks, consisting of 15 to 20 sheaves, allowed air to pass through, enabling the grain to mature and dry while protecting it from ground moisture and rot. Scattered across the field, the shocks stood for many days until the grain was ready for threshing. Once ready, the shocks were hauled to the threshing floor where the grain was separated from the husks through shaking or gentle beating. The final step, winnowing, involved throwing the grain into the air on a breezy day to remove any remaining chaff, leaving only clean, usable grain. This detailed process of barley harvesting in ancient times provides a vivid analogy for the careful and staged gathering of God's firstfruits, reflecting the patience and precision required in the spiritual harvest.
Was Joshua Required to Offer the Wavesheaf?
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeThe phrase, 'when you come into the land' (regarding offering the Wavesheaf), sounds like an absolute command, but its usage shows there may be qualifiers.
The Very Same Day
Sermon by David C. GrabbeThe 'very same' or 'selfsame' day is a memorial of a past event, typically on the same date, including several of God's appointed times and pronouncements.
How to Count to Pentecost in 2025
Sermon by David C. GrabbeIn 1974, a quiet and ill-advised change was made to how Pentecost is counted, inadvertently aligning the toil of harvesting with a high holy day Sabbath.
Did Israel Offer the Wavesheaf in Joshua 5?
Article by David C. GrabbeFor decades, the church of God has struggled with counting Pentecost, especially in years when Passover falls on a Sabbath. Does Joshua 5 hold the key or not?
Countdown to Pentecost 2001
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughHow does one count to Pentecost when Passover is on a weekly Sabbath, making the Last Day of Unleavened Bread the only other available Sabbath to begin the count?
Boaz and Pentecost
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe name of Boaz (a type of Christ) appears many times more than Ruth (a type of the church), indicating Christ's intense work on behalf of the church.
'Being Seen of Them Forty Days'
Sermon by Mark SchindlerOn the 40th day on the count to Pentecost, Jesus ascended. The details of His activity before His ascension have not received the focus they should.
Our Affinity to Christ
Sermon/Bible Study by Richard T. RitenbaughJesus has already suffered the things we have, and now serves as our compassionate High Priest and Advocate. He provides the pattern we are to emulate.
Walk By Faith Not Fleece
Sermonette by Bill OnisickGod mightily used Gideon, initially a timid man who required multiple signs from God, when he began walking more by faith than sight.
Pentecost and the Book of Ruth
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughAlthough many lessons of the book of Ruth allude to Old Covenant teachings, Ruth prefigures New Covenant principles such as mercy, Christ's care, and acceptance.
Firstfruits to God
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughSix descriptors describe the special qualities God desires in His Firstfruits. We must continually examine ourselves to make sure these descriptors apply to us.
Will You Marry Me? (Part Two)
Article by StaffThe story of Boaz and Ruth and the cup of betrothal at Passover ask us to consider: Are we committed to this wonderful relationship with our Fiance?
Samson and the Christian (Part 4)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughAfter slaughtering Philistines with a donkey's jawbone, Samson prayed perhaps his first truly humble prayer, acknowledging that God had gifted him.
Faith and the Calendar (Part Five): Summary
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod assigned the tribe of Judah to be the caretakers of the oracles. The real issue in this controversy is faith in God's sovereignty and His faithfulness.