Behold, the Sower Goes Forth

In chapter ten of his prophecy, Hosea calls the people of Israel to repentance, using the imagery of planting and harvesting.  He rebukes them by saying:  "You have plowed wickedness; you have reaped iniquity" (10:13).  He urges them to "sow for yourselves righteousness; reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground, for it is time to seek the Lord" (10:12).

This imagery appears again in our Lord's parable of the Sower and the Seed (Mt. 13, Mk. 4, Lk.8), where we are asked to examine whether our own hearts are fertile soil for receiving God's Word and bringing forth fruits for Him.

The basic principles of planting and harvesting also appear in the epistles.  In Galatians (6:7-9) the apostle Paul also reminds us that we will reap what we sow and encourages us to "sow to the Spirit," not the flesh.

"Behold, the Sower Goes Forth" is an appeal to the Lord to melt the hardness of our sinful hearts, so that we value His forgiving grace and spend each day planting seeds of righteousness.

To listen to the melody of "Behold, the Sower Goes Forth" click here.  To view and print the musical score, click here.

 

1. Behold, the sower goes forth

  To cast his seed in the ground;

Where fields are fertile and soil is rich,

  There earthly fruits abound.

(Refrain):

Break up your fallow ground;

  It’s time to seek the Lord;

Sow to the Spirit in righteousness

  And reap the Spirit’s reward.

 

2. Behold, the Savior sends forth

  His Spirit in His Word,

The prideful world with its stony heart

   Stands hard against its Lord.

  

 (Refrain)

3.  O Savior, crush this stone!

  Create my heart anew --

 That I may treasure Your saving grace

   And bear rich fruits for You!

(Refrain)

4.  Who sows to sin and self

  Will harvest grief and pain,

Who sows to righteousness in Christ

    Eternal life will gain.

(Refrain)