Hosea 8

“They sow the wind and reap the whirlwind. The stalk has no bud; it shall never produce meal. If it should produce, aliens would swallow it up.” (Hosea 8:7, NKJV)

There is a spiritual law as sure as the physical law of gravity. It says that whatever we sow we will also reap. Most people want to reap a harvest of peace, happiness (joy) and life. But these things are not found by direct pursuit. Rather, they are the byproducts of sowing righteousness.

The northern kingdom of Israel had forgotten this simple fact. Rejecting the true and living God, they made things for themselves that were not gods. Yet they served them and sacrificed to them as if they were gods. The LORD gave them His great laws, but they disregarded them as if they were something foreign. Rather than sowing the worship of Yahweh and righteousness toward one another, they sowed the wind. Now they would reap the whirlwind. The Assyrians would invade them with hurricane force, destroying everything in their path and scattering the survivors to the nations.

God had planted them in a good land so that they would bring forth good fruit. But like stalks of grain that never form a head, they produced nothing of true value. And what little they did produce would be swallowed up by the enemy.

I wonder how our nation compares to Israel. God has given us a good land full of abundant resources. We have enjoyed freedom and experienced victory over foreign enemies. But have we worshiped the LORD? Have we been thankful? Are we sowing righteousness to one another?

Earlier this month, I believe God answered many prayers in a profound way. He has shown us great mercy that we do not deserve. He has been more than longsuffering toward us. For these things I believe we should be truly thankful. But I also believe in the law of sowing and reaping. We have an opportunity to sow righteousness and to reap peace, joy and eternal life. So let’s not blow it!

From our family to yours, we hope and pray you have a truly blessed Thanksgiving!