The prophet declared that a farming yoke would be put on the tribe of Ephraim, the tribe of Judah would plow, and the tribe of Jacob would break up hard soil, all to prepare the ground for rain and crop growth. Then, the spiritual seed of rightousness was to be planted so that they could reap God’s merciful presence.

God is saying plant the good seed of spiritual lives that please God rather than making your investments in lives that appeal to your carnal, material-minded temporal desires.

Our life’s energy can be invested in eternally rewarding things, or fleeting pleasures that don’t last.

PRAYER: Father, we are grateful for the encouragement of scripture to focus our lives on things of heavenly, eternal value. We trust You for our future.

READING: Hosea 8-10