Deliverance is Available

O. T. #2048  "Deliverance is Available"

Oct. 18, 2021

Hosea 7

LET IT GLOW

We just returned from a week in the beautiful city of Nashville, Tennessee. Since we were on a business trip, we were provided a room at an elaborate resort. It was like an island of its own-nice people, top-notched meals provided, clean accommodations, and gorgeous gardens. However, the last night changed everything. Our crowd was bused into town on the well-known street to a bar and grill with loud music and drinks provided. (If we had been warned ahead of time, we would not have gone.)

Another Christian couple with whom we had become friends joined us and we decided to leave such a sinful environment. Walking the streets, some 4 blocks away to a fairly quiet rooftop restaurant, we talked and ate sandwiches and drink only sodas. We could even hear what the other was saying while there.

But in order to get to that nice place, we had to walk the streets full of nightlife styles that we wanted to have nothing to do with, for sure. Drunken and homeless people, along with robbers were present. We gals clung to our guys. (Homosexuals were probably present, but we walked so quickly that I didn't notice.) A busload of folks left early on a bus to return to our wonderful resort, for which I was glad. Certainly, God delivered His children in our time of trouble.

And so it had become in Israel, where wickedness prevailed, also. Israel was given the chance to turn to the God who loves her as He tenderly called them back to Himself before judgment came. But they would not do so. They turned to Egypt and Assyria instead of turning to God. God would have healed and restored Israel, but they would not turn.

Samaria was the capital of the northern kingdom. Ahab and Jezebel built a palace there. It was a choice spot with nothing to obstruct the view in any direction. Now it is a wasteland.

During Hosea's day, what was happening in Israel was that the sin which had been covered was being uncovered. What they had been doing secretly was now done in the open. There was no shame, no conviction, no conscience relative to their sin. God would forgive their iniquity if they would only repent and turn to Him. Instead, they persisted in their wickedness and went farther and farther into it.

Does our society accept sinful life styles as the norm? Is there any difference from worldly people and Christians? Do people think no one is watching them? Do they consider that they are getting away with their sins? Folks, God is watching and sees all, for He is omniscient (all-knowing) and omnipresent (everywhere-present). We will answer to Him one day. All we say and do is done right in front of His face. (verse 2)

LET IT GROW

The wickedness of the nation of Israel went all the way to the top:

• The king and the princes were pleased with evil. (verse 3)
• There were guilty of adultery, drunkenness, and anger. (verse 4-6)
• They were liars and thieves. (verses 1-2)
• They kill kings one after another, and no one cries to God for help. (verse 7b)

... there is none among them that calleth unto Me. (verse 7c)

The word calleth refers to call out to (address by name); cay unto; preach; proclaim.

Do we cry to God for help? Are we proclaiming His mercy to sinners?

Psalm 50:14-15 say, Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the Most High: And call upon Me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify Me.

Dear one, if you are in the day of trouble, call upon God. He will deliver you. After you give Him thanks and pay vows.

LET IT GO

Thank You Merciful God that You deliver us in our day of trouble.