Reaping What We Sow

Reap in mercy…Hosea 10:12

What a promise! Reap in mercy; take in grace; receive righteousness for it is time to seek the LORD, verse 12. Contrast this with verse 13: you have reaped iniquity.  

The promise is easier to see in the words of Hosea, 10:12 & 13: 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. You have plowed wickedness; You have reaped iniquity. You have eaten the fruit of lies, because you trusted in your own way, in the multitude of your mighty men.

The time for sowing and reaping has come and gone. Spring and Summer are gone, we now welcome Fall. It is time to enjoy the fruit of our labor. Time to store up our harvest for Winter. Whether canning, freezing or whatever way we protect our hard work, it must be done right. Or all our hard work will turn to rot.

This is Hosea’s advice. If we hope to reap in mercy; sow righteousness. If we intend to plant in good soil, seek the Lord. The opposite leads to destruction—wickedness and iniquity. These lead to eating “the fruit of lies.” Why? Because we trusted in our own way; in the counsel of might men.

Even so, it is not a time to rest on last year’s harvest. If time for sowing and reaping are drawing to a close, then seasons of planting are extended. God is preparing the hearts of people to receive the gospel. Who are we to deny them the good news of eternal life? To reap in mercy we must sow in righteousness; both originate with God our Father. Reap all the mercies of God as your fruit of righteousness!