In 586 BC was the fall of Jerusalem. Years of being in rebellion with God led to the Israelites greatest downfall. Despite all that had come to pass, God who is rich in mercy, according to his faithfulness fulfilled His promise to restore the city of Jerusalem and the Temple by raising up a Persian ruler named Cyrus to conquer the Neo-Babylonian Empire in 539 BC.
Cyrus was God’s chosen instrument. He was an instrument of judgment and mercy to accomplish His will. God gave Cyrus a twofold mission, to bring His righteous judgment upon the nations and to free the Jews from their captivity. He even gave them back their treasure and the Lord’s holy temple possessions. The prophet Isaiah refers to Cyrus in the Bible as “His anointed” which is translated ”chosen one” a title that in the past was reserved only for Israelite and Judean kings. (1 Samuel: 10:1, 16:6) This was prophesied 150 years prior to actually taking place to signify God’s sovereignty and to foretell God’s election of him. Although God had planned him before he was born, raised him up as king, subdued nations before him and uniquely used Cyrus, to our astonishment the Bible says that Cyrus did not know God.
How incredibly ironic this was! Yet Oh how those words ring true for those of us that don’t know the living God or give Him glory with our lives. There’s an old familiar saying that is often true, we can miss the forest for the trees. Stated another way, we can miss God in the midst of life when He’s been right there in front of us all along. Yet we would have to willingly do so. Creation, God’s Word, and our own conscience cry out to us each day in a manifold chorus testifying that there is a God in Heaven who knows our name.
Do you know Him? Have you lost sight of the very one who has breathed life into you and formed you so fearfully and wonderfully in wisdom and love? Cry out to Him in the midst of your life today. Repent of your sins and put your faith and trust in Christ and He promises to save you.
