It often seems as if...
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It often seems as if this old creedal formula from the people of Israel has no merit in the modern age of money and stocks and salaries. Although the people of Israel were called to bring the best of their flock and produce to God, it seems that the new systems of numbers and cash flow stand in the way of really understanding giving to the ministry of God. This text begs to be preached as stewardship, but how are we to do it in our time? One way is to remind people that the gifts of their time, their thoughts, their hands, and their presence is all part of 'their stewardship to God's realm. A hymn in the Lutheran Book of Worship speaks to this very well indeed.
As saints of old their first fruits brought
Of orchard, flock and field
To God, the giver of all good,
The source of bounteous yield;
So we today first fruits would bring,
The wealth of this good land,
Of farm and market, shop and home,
Of mind and heart and hand.
-- Frank von Christierson, LBW 404
As saints of old their first fruits brought
Of orchard, flock and field
To God, the giver of all good,
The source of bounteous yield;
So we today first fruits would bring,
The wealth of this good land,
Of farm and market, shop and home,
Of mind and heart and hand.
-- Frank von Christierson, LBW 404
