Sketches of Sermons Hosea 8:7 For they have sown the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind: it has no stalk; the bud shall yield no meal: if so be it yield… Misery is attached to sin as its inevitable consequence; but the connection does not always appear to a superficial observer. Transgression sometimes appears to be productive of happiness, and obedience to be a source of much affliction and trouble. But the wicked are not really happy now, and they have no reasonable expectation of happiness in the eternal world. I. WHO MAY BE SAID TO SOW THE WIND? To "sow the wind" is a proverbial expression for labouring in vain. It may be applied to all who seek happiness in the way of sin. 1. To sensualists, who yield themselves up to the gratifications of sense. See confession of Solomon (Ecclesiastes 2:1, 10, 11). 2. To worldlings. The lovers of this present world hope to obtain, not a momentary gratification, but solid and lasting benefits. But riches are proverbially uncertain. Our cares are generally multiplied by means of them. 3. To formalists. The performance of religious duties seems more calculated to make us happy. No one can be happy who disregards them. But a mere round of services can never satisfy the conscience. Some delude themselves with an idea that it will secure the Divine favour. Under that delusion they may be filled with self-complacency. A sight of sin will speedily dissipate these self-righteous hopes. 4. To false professors. There are many who wish to be thought religious when they are destitute of spiritual life. They may be jealous about doctrines and their own particular form of Church government, but they are not solicitous to live nigh to God in holy duties. II. WHAT THEY MAY EXPECT TO REAP. A "whirlwind" is a figure to represent extraordinary calamities. Their calamities will be — 1. Sudden. They receive warnings, but are taken by surprise at last. 2. Irresistible. Illustrate by a whirlwind. 3. Tremendous. See desolation wrought by a whirlwind. Infers (1) How earnest should we be in redeeming time! (2) How blessed are they who are living to God! (Sketches of Sermons.) Parallel Verses KJV: For they have sown the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind: it hath no stalk: the bud shall yield no meal: if so be it yield, the strangers shall swallow it up. |
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