Focal Passage: Hosea 10:5-15
A story is told of a farmer who went out to gather some eggs and harvest his crops. As he walked across the farm toward the hen house, he noticed a pump was leaking. So he stopped to fix it. It needed a new washer, so he set off to the barn to get one. But on the way, he saw that the hay needed to be straightened in the barn, so he searched for his pitchfork.
Hanging next to the pitchfork was a broom with a broken handle. He made a note to buy a broom handle. By now, it’s clear that the farmer isn’t going to get to his eggs or his crops. Likely, he’s not going to accomplish much. He is a prisoner of unbridled spontaniety. The farmer fails to reap significantly because what he sows is minimal, misguided and his priorities are malfunctioning.
Beware what you sow. But there’s even more at risk for the believer than this. It’s so easy for any of us to live our life in this regard. There are no shortcuts to godliness. It’s a pursuit that is met with obstacles and struggles. Struggles never take a vacation. What may seem urgent is not always the most important thing in our lives. And a fickle heart can wander farther into sin than it ever thought it could possibly go!
It seems ironic that the more the Israelites prospered, the more they built altars and worshiped like other nations. Agricultural prosperity hadn’t led to an expression of national gratitude, but instead had resulted in spiritual corruption. How does that happen?
Allman
Israel’s kings made promises they didn’t keep. They were to establish justice and righteousness in society, but instead their rule is like poisonous weeds. The consequences of Israel’s idolatrous worship will bring destruction, but more terrifying, they will wish death on themselves!
They pray for mountains and hills to fall on them! (Hosea 10:8). This isn’t a throwaway verse. Jesus quotes this in Luke 23:30 as the Romans led Him to his crucifixion! He did so to warn of the adversity that would result from the temple in Jerusalem in A.D. 70. John also mentions it in reference to the despair and fear people will feel during the end times (Revelations 6:16).
Hosea 10:10 indicates their sin is so extreme, the punishment will be doubled! Most people wish for a double portion of blessing. Their harvest will be a double blessing of punishment! God is not to be trifled with! How much better is it to call on God in love and repentance than face His judgment!?
Receive what God gives you with humility and gladness! When I read Hosea 10, I can’t help but think of Jesus’ parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14-20.
The guy I’m always amazed by is the guy given two talents. He doesn’t protest to the Master, “You only gave me two!?? Not fair!” No … he receives it with humility and gladness and invests it faithfully.
Another man, who recieves one talent, doesn’t invest anything. Instead he buries it and is chastised for his wickedness. Burying what God has given us will always lead to sin.
Hosea 10:12 gives hope. Sow righteousness. Seek the Lord until He comes and sends righteousness on you like the rain. B&R
