Growing closer to Jesus each day is a process described in the Bible by terms like “sowing” and “reaping.” Those terms are much less familiar with most of us living urban lives.
One form of “sowing” or planting that we can do is taking in God’s Word—that’s what the
Holy Spirit uses to transform our hearts and minds into Jesus’s image. It isn’t just reading
or listening to God’s Word. We need to spend time reflecting on it and responding back to
God what He wants us to consider. When we let these seeds enter our daily lives, God
promises a harvest. We don’t always know when the harvest will arrive, but God says the
joy, peace and love will happen.
The prophet Hosea describes growing closer to Jesus daily this way:
Sow righteousness for yourselves,
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 His righteousness on you
(Hosea 10:12).
Hosea is so sure of the future harvest that he encourages us to go further and faster to find
more ground for planting the seeds needed for God’s Word. That could be in our own lives,
but I think the prophet is also telling each of us to get out and make disciples of others.
So celebrate with us this month the areas of harvest. It is only possible by God’s blessing and
our partnership together.
Bryon Swanson, Editor
PS: Be sure to check out all of the great Bible teaching content at www.backtothebible.org or, from your mobile device, click this link GOtandem from the App Store or Google Play and download our Daily Spiritual Fitness App.