There is a saying something like this, there are no atheists in fox holes or prisons. I was never in the military but I have heard stories of extraordinary rescues God has made because of a quick prayer a soldier has made. God will rescue anyone who calls upon the name of the Lord, saving them from their distress. But it is still up to the soldier, after he is rescued to get up and serve God.
In this statement, in Hosea 5:15, God was tired of rescuing his people. Instead of jumping in the fox hole and quickly saving them, he pulled away His protection allowing their enemies to have their way with them. What God was trying to do was get them to “earnestly” seek Him. They had fallen so deeply into idolatry and blatantly sinned against God he simply said enough is enough. The God of mercy and grace got fed up! Hosea 5: 5 tells us the arrogance of Israel testifies against her and in verse 7 it says they betrayed the honor of the LORD. Harsh but true charges. But even more harsh was the way they were treating the One True God that loved them.
Man has always challenged God. But it particularly hurts Him when His own chosen people challenge Him, 2Timothy 4:3 For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will reject the truth and chase after myths. Warning after warning has been issued to the people of God throughout both Old and New Testaments. Paul says in 1Corinthians10:11 These things happened to them as examples for us. They were written down to warn us who live at the end of the age. Why do you think they are for now? 2Thessalonians 2:9 This man will come to do the work of Satan with counterfeit power and signs and miracles. 10 He will use every kind of evil deception to fool those on their way to destruction, because they refuse to love and accept the truth that would save them. 11 So God will cause them to be greatly deceived, and they will believe these lies. 12 Then they will be condemned for enjoying evil rather than believing the truth. Finally look at what Jesus Himself said : Mark 13:22 For false messiahs and false prophets will rise up and perform signs and wonders so as to deceive, if possible, even God's chosen ones. 23 Watch out! I have warned you about this ahead of time! If Jesus is warning you of something you better listen! The final days before the return of Jesus Christ are going to be some of the most dangerous times for Christian believers, not from persecution but from deception.
It is going to take a lot more than a quick prayer to keep you on the right track with Christ. It is going to take you determining in your heart, no matter what happens in your life, you are going to get up out of whatever prison cell or fox hole you are in and proclaim Jesus Christ is my Lord and I know he is alive because He is living in me. Mark 13:32 "However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son Himself. Only the Father knows. 33 And since you don't know when that time will come, be on guard! Stay alert and pray! Pray, live and love in Jesus name and you will have more than a jailhouse religion or a fox hole relationship with God. We don't know when Jesus is coming back but if it is in a minute or a day or a hundred years we need to live like we believe it is the next minute. Deuteronomy 10:12 "And now, Israel, what does the LORD your God require of you? He requires only that you fear the LORD your God, and live in a way that pleases Him, and love Him and serve Him with all your heart and soul. Now go do it.
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