Fruity duty

A custom of the past still exists at my local county fair, with Grange-sponsored fruit and vegetable displays in the floral and horticulture barn.  I’m not sure of the judging criteria, but each display must illustrate some sort of theme. This year, it was “carnival.”  As I compared the various displays, I thought of how the blessing of food wasn’t taken for granted in ancient times. Our mega-size farms with dinosaur-size planting and harvesting machines were unheard of and undreamed in Bible times.

Farming also took on spiritual meaning with the prophet Hosea.  He’s best known for marrying, at God’s command, an unfaithful woman and using that sorrowful experience to illustrate Israel’s spiritual promiscuity and God’s longing for restoration. His three children’s names were part of the prophecy.

Jezreel, the first-born son, meant “scattered,” for the Israelites would be dispersed from the land.
Lo-Ruhamah, the daughter’s name, meant “Not loved.”
Lo-Ammi, the second daughter, meant “Not my people.”

Hosea’s prophecy condemns relying on anyone or anything other than God for the guiding and sustaining of life. Near the end, he uses some farm imagery that still speaks clearly:

Sow for yourselves righteousness, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the Lord, until he comes and showers righteousness on you. (Hosea 10:12)

At some point in my life, I wrote three references in the margin opposite this verse:

*2 Corinthians 7:10: “Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.”
*2 Corinthians 9:6: “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly well also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.”
*Galatians 6:7-9: “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked.  A man reaps what he sows.” The verses go on to connect the sinful nature reaping destruction, and pleasing God’s spirit as reaping eternal life.

In ancient cultures, farming was a constant battle of digging out rocks, pulling weeds, and protecting a crop from predators.  Such farming was also a perfect metaphor for living a life pleasing to God.  The spiritual “crop” of a God-centered life doesn’t happen if the inner life is neglected.  From time to time, hardship and hard-to-love people combine to help us break up that “unplowed ground” that isn’t being fruitful for God. 

It may sound strange to say this, but sometimes we need to sit still before God, repent of our weak spiritual areas, and say, “Turn over my soil, Lord.  It’s hard-packed and resistant from persistent sin. Break it up and press your seeds of truth into it.  Help me grow spiritually. Remind me that I’m on display for You.”