Scripture

This is what the Lord says to Cyrus, his anointed one whose right hand he will empower.

Observation

The Lord calls the Persian ruler to the task of setting Israel free from its captivity in Babylon. The Lord will prepare the way for him and grant him treasures. He does this for the sake of his servant Israel.

Just as the Lord created the heavens and the earth, so He will raise up Cyrus to fulfil his righteous purpose. He will restore Jerusalem and set free the Lord’s people.

All the world will look to the Lord for salvation. Every knee will bow to Him and every tongue will confess allegiance to Him.

Application

The Lord refers to Cyrus as His anointed one, the Messiah. No other foreign ruler is called by such an exalted name in all of Scripture.

Cyrus, the ruler of Persia, was called and positioned for the task of setting God’s people Israel free from captivity.

A pagan king is anointed by God for a great purpose. One of the out workings of this is that salvation will be offered to the whole world.

It seems unlikely that Cyrus was aware of this anointing and calling. He was just driven by his own ambitions, plans, and worldly wisdom. God used him anyway.

You and I are often not aware of God’s directions and purposes. We want to honour God and obey him. In the multitudes of small decisions we make, God is working out His purposes for us and for the people around us.

Prayer

Thank you Lord for the knowledge that you are with me. Please help me to trust you as I try to serve you each day. Amen.