SOW SOW

SOW SOW

Sow righteousness for yourselves, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the Lord, until he comes and showers his righteousness on you.

Hosea 10:12

Trying to nurture a beautiful lawn can be a frustrating experience. Certain patches of the yard seem to resist all growth — except weeds, of course. And too often we discover clover, crabgrass, dandelions, and other weeds encroaching at an alarming rate.

In any agricultural endeavor — working on a farm, planting a garden, or just caring for a lawn — we know the importance of fertile, receptive earth. The plants we hope to sprout and grow are directly affected by the seeds we choose and quality of the soil. Grass won’t come from dandelion or crabgrass seeds. Tulips in the spring come from tulip bulbs planted in the fall. We expect tomatoes from tomato seeds, not cucumbers. And no seeds, even those of highest quality, will germinate, take root, and flourish in rock-hard, weed-infested soil.

In this passage, the prophet Hosea reminds Israel of this great truth and uses it as a spiritual metaphor. Those who plant seeds of righteousness will reap a crop of God’s love, if their hearts are open and ready.

Do you want to experience God’s love? Plow the hard ground of your heart by confessing your sins and accepting God’s forgiveness. Then sow seeds of righteousness by seeking God and resolving to live for him, and then reap God’s bountiful harvest. ♦

PRAYER

I want your harvest, Lord …