Paul’s use of the term “firstfruits” refers back to the Old Testament ceremonies that were handed down by God in the Law of Moses requiring a portion of each crop to be offered to God as an act of worship and thanking Him for His provision (Deuteronomy 26 and Leviticus 23).When Paul chose this metaphor in his letter to the Corinthian church, he was giving assurance to these new believers of the certainty of the life to come that’s promised by God to all who believe. Just as the firstfruits of a vegetable or grain crop heralds the coming of a larger yield, Christ, “the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep,” is the pledge of a more abundant resurrection in which all His followers will share (1 Corinthians 15:20). In effect, His resurrection guarantees yours.So when disappointment and sorrow blind your vision, when even the specter of death looms coldly over your life, take a measure of hope that can be seen in agriculture. Rest in the firm assurance of the greater harvest that’s coming, a bounty on which every believer in Jesus is invited to feast.