Parshas Ki Savo

In this week's parsha, the Torah discusses the mitzvah of bikkurim, the bringing of the first-ripened fruits to the beis hamikdash. Bikkurim is such an important mitzvah, that the Sifri writes about it: "if you will fulfill what is written here (i.e. the mitzvah of bikkurim), you will inherit Eretz Yisroel". However, the Hafla'ah asks, the mitzvah of bikkurim can only be fulfilled AFTER Klal Yisroel
enters Eretz Yisroel. If so, how can inheriting Eretz Yisroel be in the merit of bikkurim? How can Klal Yisroel's entry into Eretz Yisroel be contingent upon a mitzvah that they can't even fulfill until after they enter the land?

Perhaps we can answer that the Sifri was not referring to the mitzvah of bikkurim itself, but rather the concept behind it. Let's analyze how bikkurim works: Hashem gives a person his land, and the opportunity to work the land, and rain to help his crops grow, and so on. And in return for that, as a small token of gratitude, the person brings the first fruits that grow as a gift for Hakadosh Baruch Hu, to show his thankfulness and appreciation for all the kindness that He has bestowed upon him. Thus we see that the essence of the mitzvah of bikkurim is showing appreciation to Hashem. That, says the Sifri, is what entitles a person to inherit Eretz Yisroel. If a person is always thanking Hashem and appreciating everything Hashem does for him, then he is indeed worthy of inheriting the Promised Land.

The lesson here is clear: we must always be thankful for everything Hashem does for us, even the little things that we would otherwise take for granted. If we are always cognizant of Hashem's goodness, then we will merit His continued blessing, and the long-awaited return of the Jewish people to Eretz Yisroel.