First, Sabbath and Passover (1-8). These verses mention 5 times of sacred assembly. The most frequent sacred gathering is the weekly Sabbath which recalls God's rest after 6 days of creation. We work 6 days, then gather for holy worship. This is important for a believer's fellowship and growth. The yearly Passover and Festival of Unleavened Bread recalled God's deliverance and their hasty departure from slavery in Egypt. These worship festivals required time off regular work. Second, firstfruits and Pentecost (9-22). Harvest firstfruits were to be to the priest, along with a burnt, grain and drink offering. To give our firstfruits is to show that what we have comes from God. The Feast of Weeks (Harvest, Pentecost) comes 50 days after the firstfruits, again as thanks to God for his provision and blessing. They must also be mindful of the poor and the foreigner among them.
Application: Lord our Provider, what we have comes from you, and what we can do you enable us to do. Help us to give back to you with humble thanks.
One Word: Give and worship out of thanks to the Provider