A.From our study of Hosea, we can see that the history of the Northern Kingdom of Israel is summarized in this statement: “For they sow the wind, and they reap the whirlwind” (Hos. 8:7).
1.In the previous lessons of this series, we have considered the “wind” sown by Israel.God through Hosea exposed Israel’s idolatry, materialism, and ignorance that corrupted the nation.
2.We have also noted the “whirlwind” that was reaped by Israel, which was their eventual destruction and captivity by Assyria.
B.Our purpose in this study has been to learn from the mistakes made by Israel at the end of their days and see how our nation compares to them.
1.We have noted the similarities in our nation in the areas of idolatry (humanism), materialism, and ignorance.
2.These comparisons must strike fear into our hearts for our nation.If Israel was destroyed for these things, what must become of us?
C.However, the news is not all bad for our nation.
1.In fact, the news is very good if we as a nation will heed the glad tidings and wisdom of the Scriptures.Through His word, God appeals to us that we might be spared individually as souls and collectively as a nation.“Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people” (Prov. 14:34).
2.It is not too late to sow that which is good so that we may reap a bountiful harvest.
II.SOWING AND REAPING
A.The premise for the statement, “For they sow the wind, and they reap the whirlwind,” is the universal law of sowing and reaping.
1.This is the principle that “like begets like.”
a.It means that everything that comes into being is spawned from something similar in nature.
b.Every farmer knows that the crop he reaps will be according to the seed he has sown.
2.All living things in God’s creation are bound by this law, for God decreed that they all would reproduce after their own kind (Gen. 1:11-12, 21, 24-25).
3.The soul of man is also bound by this law: “He who is steadfast in righteousness will attain to life, and he who pursues evil will bring about his own death” (Prov. 11:19).
B.The evidence for the law of sowing and reaping is abundant, and yet man tends to deceive himself into believing that there are exceptions.
1.In the physical world, man’s theory of evolution defies all natural evidence of this law.
a.Without any concrete proof, the theory of evolution declares that sometimes like does not beget like.No one has ever observed such an evolutionary event, yet this is taught as irrefutable science throughout the world.
b.Proponents of this theory have an agenda to disprove the existence of God and the necessity of His creative force.This is a desirable alternative to those who do not want to be accountable to an all-powerful Creator.Thus, man deceives himself into believing that which is proved false by the evidence.
2.Likewise in spiritual things, many people attempt to defy the spiritual law of sowing and reaping as they live worldly lives but still expect to see heaven.
a.As in the case of evolution, this expectation is contrary to the proof.In spiritual things, the Bible gives evidence (such as the example of Israel) that every word and deed will receive a just recompense.
b.Yet man perceives contrary doctrines, such as salvation by faith only, by which he deceives himself into believing what he wants to believe rather than the truth.Thus, he believes that he may sow the seeds of sin and still reap the reward of heaven.
C.A man may deceive himself into believing that he is an exception to God’s law of sowing and reaping, but God will not be deceived.
1.Job astutely asked this rhetorical question about God: “Or will you deceive Him as one deceives a man?” (Job 13:10).The answer is obvious, for God knows all and sees all (Heb. 4:13).
2.God through Paul has given a clear warning: “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap” (Gal. 6:7).
a.The word “mocked” means “to turn up the nose at, sneer at, treat with contempt.”
b.This does not mean that man cannot treat God with contempt, but rather it means that he won’t get away with it.Anyone who contemptuously attempts to defy God’s law of sowing and reaping will fail.
D.Therefore, wisdom dictates that we should embrace the truth of sowing and reaping.
1.To the worldly minded, the truth is this: “For the one who sows to his own flesh shall from the flesh reap corruption” (Gal. 6:8)
2.However, to the one who is spiritually minded, the message is this: “…but the one who sows to the spirit shall from the spirit reap eternal life” (Gal. 6:8).
3.Thus, those who embrace the truth shall come to this conclusion: “And let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we shall reap if we do not grow weary” (Gal. 6:9).
III.GOD IS OUR HELP
A.The law of sowing and reaping is indeed good news for the spiritually minded, for it gives the hope of a bountiful harvest. It gives us the ability to choose what we shall reap by choosing what we sow.
B.Moreover, our hope is increased when we recognize that God is for us, not against us.
1.Israel foolishly failed to recognize the helping hand of God, and they resisted Him to their doom.“It is your destruction, O Israel, that you are against Me, against your help” (Hos. 13:9).
2.Recognizing that God is our help, we must realize how abundant that help is.
a.The law of sowing and reaping applies not only to quality but also to quantity, meaning that the more we sow, the more we can expect to reap (2Cor. 9:6).
b.Our ability to sow what is good is unlimited because God is the one who supplies us with seed (2Cor. 9:10-11).Therefore, our spiritual harvest is only limited by how much sowing to the spirit we are willing to do.
C.When we understand that God is for us, then we can see beyond any temporal distress to the ultimate good.
1.Books like Hosea, Isaiah, and Jeremiah were not just messages of condemnation and destruction for God’s people.They were also books of promise and hope.
a.These were not contrary messages, but rather they were complementary messages of the one purpose of God, and that one purpose was the best interest of His people.
b.The wrath of God which disciplines His people is not a product of God’s hatred but rather His love (Heb. 12:9-11).That same love also produces blessings and kindness.
2.Understanding the message of discipline and instruction, we can adopt the attitude of God’s servants through the ages.
a.“Though He slay me, I will hope in Him.” (Job 13:15)
b.“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God…” (Rom. 8:28)
c.“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Phil. 4:13)
D.Therefore, with God as our help, let us resolve to sow abundantly and make a difference.
1.Rather than lamenting the sad spiritual state of our nation while doing nothing about it, let us determine to teach the truth of God’s word to as many as we can.
2.Let us follow the example of Jesus, who saw the lost multitudes “like sheep without a shepherd,” felt compassion for them, and therefore taught them many things (Matt. 9:36-38; Mark 6:34).
3.Let us pray for our nation “in order that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity” (1Tim. 2:1-4).
IV.CONCLUSION
A.God was eager to pour out mercy upon Israel if they would have humbled themselves and returned to Him (Hos. 14:1-7).What a lost opportunity!
B.Let us be wise to heed the lessons of Hosea that we may obtain the mercy of God as individuals and as a nation.“Whoever is wise, let him understand these things; whoever is discerning, let him know them.For the ways of the LORD are right, and the righteous will walk in them.But transgressors will stumble in them” (Hos. 14:9).
