Hosea 10:9-15 --- Sow for yourselves righteousness; reap in mercy;...for it is time to seek the LORD. -Hosea 10:12 ---- THE Old Testament book of Hosea is the story of God's faithful love for His unfaithful people. In what seems strange to us, the Lord commanded Hosea to marry a woman who would break her marriage vows and bring grief to him (Hosea 1:2-3). After she deserted Hosea for other men, the Lord told him to take her back--a picture of "the love of the LORD for the children of Israel, who look to other gods" (3:1).
Later, Hosea was called upon to tell the Israelites that because of their rebellion against the Lord, they would be carried away into captivity by a foreign power. "Tumult shall arise among your people, and all your fortresses shall be plundered" (10:14).
Yet in the midst of their sin and punishment, the grace of God toward His people was never exhausted. In a grace-filled exhortation, He said: "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". --(10:12)
Even when we have "plowed wickedness" and "reaped iniquity" (10:13), God doesn't stop loving us. Whatever our situation, we can turn to the Lord and find forgiveness to make a new start. His love never fails! --- -No force is greater than the power of God's love.
--ODB/DM
Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." [John 14:6]
