"And none shall appear before Me empty-handed"

Exodus 34:19-20(NKJV)

19“All that open the womb are Mine, and every male firstborn among your livestock, whether ox or sheep. 

20But the firstborn of a donkey you shall redeem with a lamb. And if you will not redeem him, then you shall break his neck. All the firstborn of your sons you shall redeem. “And none shall appear before Me empty-handed. "

Here's a question.  How often do we appear before God empty handed?

I've written many times in the past about the importance of giving God our first fruits.  The first fruits of our time.  The first fruits of our efforts.  The first fruits of brainpower, and the first fruits of our finances.  Why is the first fruits so important?  I think this verse from Malachi gives as good an explanation as any.

Malachi 1:8(NKJV)

8    And when you offer the blind as a sacrifice,     Is it not evil?     And when you offer the lame and sick,     Is it not evil?     Offer it then to your governor!     Would he be pleased with you?     Would he accept you favorably?”     Says the Lord of hosts.

(Please note that He is referring to blind and lame animals, not people)

Ok, so I think we are clear on the first fruits aspect.

But what about this second concept?  "And none shall appear before me empty-handed".  God is telling us that He expects all of us to contribute.  Unlike the US tax code which has reached the point where 49% of the people don't even pay taxes, God says "Oh no, all of you are required to have some skin in the game". 

Every time we appear before God we need to have something to offer Him.  What are you going to offer God today?