May 19 Daily Devotional

Bible Reading

Devotional

Christians are known by their fruits. What lives in a person’s heart will manifest itself—if not before the human eye, certainly in the presence of God Himself. All our ways and the intentions of our hearts are laid open in the presence of the living God.

On more than one occasion the Bible uses the imagery of sowing and harvesting. For example, the book of Proverbs tells us, “The wicked man does deceptive work, but he who sows righteousness will have a sure reward.” (Proverbs 11:18) Another passage in that same book says, “He who sows iniquity will reap trouble.” (Proverbs 22:8) Similarly, the apostle Paul uses the metaphor of sowing and reaping when he admonishes the congregations in Galatia, “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” These examples make clear that it is not enough that we sow, we must also take care how we sow.

The prophecy of Hosea uses sowing and reaping as a metaphor as well. In chapter 10:12 the prophet proclaims, “Sow for yourselves righteousness; reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground, for it is time to seek the LORD, till He comes and rains righteousness on you.” Hosea’s first-born son is called Jezreel which means “God sows.”

Being described as sowing the wind and reaping the whirlwind is not exactly complimentary. This graphic figure of speech demonstrates how the people are behaving unprofitably. They are perverting worship and showing little concern for fellow believers. They are highly offended by the warnings of the prophet because they consider themselves religious. Yet through the voice of Hosea we hear the Lord God asking His people both then and now, “How do you know you are in the right relationship with me? How then will you sow?” What will the Lord of the harvest find when He comes looking for fruit? What will He find in your life?