Our scripture this morning is Hosea 10:12 (NLT).
I said, ‘Plant the good seeds of righteousness, and you will harvest a crop of love. Plow up the hard ground of your hearts, for now is the time to seek the Lord, that he may come and shower righteousness upon you.’
God has sent Israel a series of faithful prophets, speaking to their lack of faith and stubborn self interest. They have been warned since being led to the Promised Land not to forget God who brought them out of slavery (Deuteronomy 8:10-11), but this is exactly where they are. They trust in their military might and the abundance of their territory.
Even as God plans discipline to end their disobedience, He calls them back to Himself: “now is the time to seek the Lord, that he may come and shower righteousness upon you.” God wants us to be part of His plan for creation, but we keep seeking our own goals and ignoring His love.
We are asked to “plow up the hard ground of your hearts”, loving God and each other as He intends. However, we are the only ones who can make that choice for ourselves. God has sent faithful witnesses to teach us and is always ready to welcome us back when we make the decision to return to Him.
Gracious God, even in our failing, You are with us. Bless us to be the people You created us to be, made in Your image and sent to share Your love with the world. Amen.
