November 06, 2024
Is God overseen by national leaders or vice versa? Do earthly Kings rule over our Heavenly King, or is God ruling regardless of men's activities? Can God take national leaders, even those who may not be genuine believers, and use them for His purposes?
Cyrus, the ruler of the known world in his day, thought so.
The Book of Ezra records an amazing event that occurred through King Cyrus's agency in his first year of rule.
WHY?
The Hebrew people were captives in Cyrus' kingdom. Why was this King suddenly moved to do an extraordinary thing, i.e., not only to allow but also to vigorously support the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem?
Why did this happen? God wanted His temple rebuilt. That’s why. He had accomplished His purposes in the judgment of His people, and now He wanted them to return and rebuild. Ezra and Nehemiah record this stunning activity. There may be many other reasons, but that is the simple reality. God wanted it done, and a king—any king—was no impediment to His activity.
HOW?
How did this amazing turn of events happen? “The Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus.” No other explanation needed. God moved on the heart of a King and moved his heart to accomplish the will of God and the blessing of God’s people.
Not only did Cyrus allow it, but he also moved people to give to the effort, which is reminiscent of how God moved on the hearts of the Egyptians to give to the Hebrews when they left Egypt.
If you think it is not viable or useful to pray for government leaders and governmental decisions, you are wrong. In fact, we are commanded to do so. (Read 1 Timothy 2). God is deeply and actively involved in the affairs of men, and He moves things around for His sovereign purposes to be accomplished. He wants His kingdom to come and His will to be done on earth, just as it is being done in heaven, and we are vital partners in this enterprise. Remember, He made you like He is so you can join Him in what He does.
And lest you think that God is capricious and inconsistent and cannot be trusted in His decisions, remember this vital couplet:
And when God does His good and gracious things, we should give unceasing thanks, for He alone deserves the glory.
March 11, 2025
God knows what He is about. Always include in your request the greatest prayer—the prayer of surrender. “Lord, Your will be done.” This is the prayer, when humbly prayed, that will always be answered and yield the most valuable result from the God who loves us best ... even if the answer is hard.
March 05, 2025
Every created man or woman must make their choice. What will you do with God? Will you embrace or reject Him? Draw near or run away? Trust and serve Him or doubt God and serve yourself? This foundational choice determines everything.
March 04, 2025
As you evaluate your faith, is it “God and?” God and others. God and the world’s ideas. God and my best thoughts thrown in. God and some money. God and a clear path. Or simply: God. Are you vainly clinging to the idea that you need more than Him?
