6 July 2022
Sow for yourselves righteousness;
reap steadfast love;
break up your fallow ground;
for it is time to seek the Lord,
that he may come and rain righteousness upon you.
From Hosea 10:1-3,7-8,12, NRSV
The prophet Hosea continues to foretell the downfall of the Kingdom of Israel as a consequence of their sinfulness. However, although they cannot escape what is to befall them, the prophet appeals to them, even at this stage, to return to obedience to God. He uses the imagery of sowing and reaping which would have been familiar to the people. They would have understood the need to break up fallow ground so that the early rains could soften it in readiness for planting. In the same way, the prophet is appealing to them to “break up” the hard, fallow ground of their own hearts, to plant righteousness in place of sin and to allow themselves to again receive the “rain” of God’s salvation.
- What does this appeal by the prophet Hosea tell us about God’s desire for the people?
- How can we ensure that we do not become “fallow” ground?
As you go about your daily life today, be aware of the ways in which you can “sow seeds of righteousness” through your words and actions.
