DISCOURSE: 1177
THE FRUITS OF GOD’S FAVOUR
Hosea 14:5-7. I will be as the dew unto Israel: he shall grow as the lily, and cast forth his roots as Lebanon. His branches shall spread, and his beauty shall be as the olive-tree, and his smell as Lebanon. They that dwell under his shadow shall return; they shall revive as the corn, and grow as the vine; the scent thereof shall be as the wine of Lebanon.
THERE are instances of beautiful imagery in the Scriptures equal to any that can be found in the works of the most renowned authors; they are enhanced too by the importance of the subjects they contain. In both respects the passage before us deserves peculiar attention. Imagination cannot conceive a richer display of divine blessings than God here vouchsafes to his church and people.
I. The favour which God will shew his people—
The metaphor of “dew” is at once simple and sublime—
[The benefits of the dew are but little known in this climate; but in Judζa the metaphor would appear very significant [Note: Where the rains are periodical, and the climate hot, the dews are more abundant.]. Fur some time after the creation, dew supplied the place of rain [Note: Genesis 2:6.]; and, after rain was given, it still remained of great use. The Scriptures speak of it as an important blessing [Note: See Genesis 27:28; Genesis 27:39 and Deuteronomy 33:13.]: they represent the withholding of it as a calamity and a curse [Note: 2 Samuel 1:21.]
The communications of God to his people are fitly compared to it—
[It distils silently and almost imperceptibly on the ground; yet it insinuates itself into the plants on which it falls, and thus maintains their vegetative powers. In the same manner God’s visits to his people are secret [Note: He comes not in the wind, the earthquake, or the fire, but in the small still voice. 1 Kings 19:11-12.]; but he gains access to their in most souls [Note: 2 Corinthians 6:16.]. He cheers and revives their fainting spirits, and thus he fulfils to them his own most gracious promise [Note: Isaiah 58:11.]—.]
Were his communications refreshing only, and not influential on the conduct, we might be afraid of enthusiasm; but his favour invariably discovers itself by—
II.
Its fruits and effects—
The effects of the dew are seen by the progress of vegetation: the descent of God’s Spirit on the soul also produces growth, beauty, fragrancy, fertility.
1. Growth—
[The “lily” springs up speedily, but is of short duration. The cedars of “Lebanon cast forth their roots” to a great extent. Thus the soul that is refreshed with divine communications. The quickness of its growth often excites admiration. Its stability defies the assaults of earth and hell, while it “spreads its branches,” and displays its vigour in every good word and work.]
2. Beauty—
[There is peculiar grace and ld;beauty in the olive-tree,” and such is there in the soul that communes much with God. What a lustre was there on the face of Moses, when he came down from the mount [Note: Exodus 34:30.]! And how is the lively Christian “beautified with salvation!” His outward conduct is rendered amiable in every part. His inward dispositions of humility and love are ornaments which even God himself admires [Note: 1 Peter 3:4.]. He is transformed into the very image of his God [Note: Ephesians 4:23-24.]; nor shall his beauty be ever suffered to decay [Note: The olive, as an evergreen, retains its beauty; and in this respect also is a fit emblem of the true Christian. Psalms 1:3.]
3. Fragrancy [Note: This is twice mentioned in the text, and therefore deserves peculiar notice.]—
[Lebanon was no less famous for its odoriferous vines than for its lofty cedars: and does not the Christian diffuse a savour all around him [Note: 2 Corinthians 2:14.]? How animated his discourse when God is with him! How refreshing and delightful to those who enjoy his conversation [Note: See him before the sun has exhaled the dew, or the world abated the fervour of his affections; and how does he verify that saying! Proverbs 16:24.]! How pleasing is it also to his God and Saviour [Note: Malachi 3:16; Song of Solomon 4:16.]! In proportion as he lives near to God, he fulfils that duty [Note: Colossians 4:6.]—.]
4. Fertility—
[The “corn and the vine” are just emblems of a Christian’s fruitfulness. They often wear the most unpromising appearance; yet are they “revived” by the genial influences of the sun and rain. Thus the Christian may be reduced to a drooping or desponding state; but the renewed influences of God’s Spirit will revive him. They make him “fruitful in all the fruits of righteousness.” They too, who “dwell under his shadow,” and are most nearly connected with him, will participate his blessings [Note: If he be a master, a parent, and especially a minister, the benefit of his revivals will extend to many.]“.]
Infer—
1.
How honourable and blessed is the Christian’s state!
[Often is he favoured with visits from above [Note: John 14:23.], and glorious are the effects produced by God upon him. The whole creation scarcely affords images whereby his blessedness may be adequately represented. Who then is so honourable? who so happy? Let all endeavour to maintain a sense of their high privileges, and to “walk worthy of the calling wherewith they are called.”]
2. How hopeful is the state of those who wait on God!
[The promises in the text were given as an answer to prayer [Note: ver. 2.]: and they are made to all, who, “like Israel,” plead with God. If the dew be withheld from others, it shall descend on them [Note: Judges 6:37-38.]. Its descent shall accomplish the utmost wishes of their souls. They shall soon experience the fulfilment of that word [Note: Isaiah 40:31.]—.]