Sow the Wind, Reap the Whirlwind

When you sow something, you put it in the ground and, after caring for it, you expect that it will produce something of value. Otherwise, why would you plant it? With that in mind, I was struck with the analogy of "sowing the wind." Obviously, you could never actually sow the wind. You can't plant something you can't even grasp. That is kind of the point though...you are going through the motions of sowing something you expect to produce something of value, but in reality you are sowing nothing at all. You are investing energy and time in something that has no substance, and certainly no value. God, through Hosea, accuses Israel investing their time and energy- and expecting something of value to come from- something that has nothing to offer us. God tells the Israelites how they sowed the wind throughout these chapters.

Observing empty religious ritual. We certainly need religious "routines" and disciplines to get us through the rough and tumble soil we call our lives here on earth. The problem comes when we begin doing them for the wrong reasons; like gaining approval or praise, fear of the new or different, to keep from actually having to use our brains, when we feel we need to do it to make up for some sin we've committed, or earn God's approval. The purpose of our religious disciplines and rituals should be to remind us to keep God at the center of our daily lives. The Israelites had forgotten this, and their religious services no longer had any true meaning for their lives. It was all actually self-service- or sowing the wind.

Placing security anywhere other than in God. The Israelites were trusting in the military might of their alliances and the economic stability they were currently enjoying. We have all seen recently how quickly the economy can come crashing down around you. We've also seen in recent years that the largest army and wealthiest nation in the world can't always guarantee the safety of it's citizens. Depending on our own strength is futile. God is the only source of true security.

Seeking out people who simply agree with us. The Israelites weren't too fond of Hosea- or any of the prophets God sent their way. Obviously they didn't listen. When we block out the voices around us because they don't make us "feel good" or "happy" or support every decision we are setting ourselves up for failure. We need accountability, and we need to be open to the idea that God might have something to teach us from those who do things differently from us. The Israelites weren't open to the warning to change. Is God trying to warn you about an area in your life that you need to change? Are you listening- or mocking and drowning out the messenger?

In Chapter 10 verse 12, God exhorts Israel to "Sow for yourselves righteousness, 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 righteousness on you." God tells us in these verses how to be fertile soil.

Sow righteousness, seek the Lord. Spend your time and energy on your relationship with God. Seek to rid your life of things that displease Him or hurt His heart. Try to learn more and more about Him on a daily basis. If we sow this, that verse says we will reap unfailing love and be showered with righteousness. Now THAT sounds like a wonderful crop!

Remember who God is. In chapter 11 verse 9 it says "For I am God, and not man- the Holy One among you." Israel had forgotten the God they were dealing with. God is "not a tame lion." He is not just a "really great guy." He is God- the powerful, Holy, Lion of Judah. We cannot lose the reverence we have for Him, His character, knowledge, wisdom and power.

Maintain love and justice. Chapter 12 verse 6 tells us to "return to God" and "wait for your God always." I think it's interesting that God asks us to maintain both love and justice- sometimes it seems like the two are mutually exclusive. In God, they coexist so perfectly that his justice is an expression of his love and vice versa. We can't truly serve justice without a measure of love. And love is lacking without justice behind it. We as believers today, just like the nation of Israel, will be the most effective witnesses when we live by both principles.

God, speaking of Israel, in Chapter 13 says: "Therefore they will be like the morning mist, like the early dew that disappears, like chaff swirling from a threshing floor, like smoke escaping from a window." If we sow the wind, far from reaping anything of substance or lasting value, what we reap is gone before we even realize it. We reap the whirlwind, and it brings nothing but disorder, disaster, and devastation to our lives.

Later in Chapter 13, God gives Israel hope. Paul quotes these verses in the New Testament. "I will ransom them from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death. Where, O death are your plagues? Where, O grave, is your destruction?" God is certainly greater than the whirlwinds we have sown for ourselves! He has the power to redeem even the largest tornadoes of life!

Chapter 14 is a beautiful picture of the healing and refreshing God promises to those who return to the Lord and seek him for nourishment and life. It brings hope to this soul who gets tired of the dusty roads I walk sometimes. Let His promises wash over you and refresh your spirit today!

"I will heal their waywardness and love them freely,

for my anger has turned away from them.

I will be like the dew to Israel;

he will blossom like a lily.

Like a cedar of Lebanon he will send down his roots;

his young shoots will grow.

His splendor will be like an olive tree,

his fragrance like a cedar of Lebanon.

Men will dwell again in his shade.

He will flourish like the grain.

He will blossom like a vine, and his fame will be like the wine from Lebanon.

Who is wise? He will realize these things/

Who is discerning? He will understand them.

The ways of the Lord are right;

the righteous walk in them,

but the rebellious stumble in them.

Hosea 14: 4-7, 9

Lord help us to walk, not stumble. Amen.