Ezra 1
Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, so that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and also put it in writing, saying,…
Ezr.1.1.NKJV
God named Cyrus before he was even born, according to to the prophecy of Isaiah (Is 44:28), Cyrus would be used by God to guarantee the return of a remnant. Jerusalem will be rebuilt and the Temple would be restored. God knows what will happen and He is in control.
Cyrus was not a Jew, but God worked through him. He not only made a proclamation, he also documented it in writing (this in itself is instructive as a vital step in building enduring structures).
Cyrus gave the returnees protection, money, and the temple articles taken by Nebuchadnezzar…
Insights
• Even when things seem impossible, have faith. Faith is agreeing with what God has spoken (His revealed will as written in scriptures)The underlying explanation of the historical events in Ezra is That the word of the Lord….might be fulfilled. God can stir any heart to favour our course.
• God moved in the hearts of the leaders, family heads, priests and Levites to return to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple. Whatever major changes we desire to see in our lives will start on the inside. Our heart is critical and central to our relationship with God. Inner changes produces the right desires leading to faithful actions.
• God is able to restore all things. Although many years had passed since Nebuchadnezzar took the temple articles away, God delivered them back to His people. Ever article of gold and silver adding up to the figure of 5,400 was a witness to God’s protection and care. In due season, we will recover all.
• Significant ventures require teamwork, with certain people serving in the forefront and others providing support. Each function is vital to accomplishing the task.
Be willing to serve faithfully as a team member, no matter who gets the credit. The proclamation by Cyrus permitted the Jews to work together to accomplish the huge task of rebuilding the temple.
