Cyrus -God's anointed one

ISAIAH  CHAPTER 45

The Lord said to Cyrus, his anointed one, that he would go before Cyrus and level mountains, smash down the gates of bronze and give him treasures hidden in the darkness. God would do this so Cyrus would know that he is the Lord God of Israel and the one who calls Cyrus by name.

And why did the Lord call Cyrus for this work? It was for the sake of Jacob his servant, Israel his chosen one that he called Cyrus by name. God prepared Cyrus even though he did not know the Lord. And destruction is certain for those who argue with their Creator. Like a clay pot does not argue with its maker. So the Lord tells Cyrus to now question what God does, because God can command all the stars and raise Cyrus to righteous purpose and guide all his actions.

The Lord says that the Egyptians, Ethiopians and Sabeans would be subject to the rule of Cyrus. They would come with their merchandise and will follow him and fall to their knees in front of him and state that God is with Cyrus and he is the only God.  And all who make idols will be humiliated and disgraced. The Lord will save the people of Israel with eternal salvation. The Lord publicly proclaims bold promises, he does not whisper them in some dark corner.

So gather together and come, says the Lord. Come you fugitives from other nations. Consult together and argue your case that your idol worship pays. For there is no other God before me. Let the world look to me for salvation. In the Lord all the generations of Israel will be justified and in him they will boast.

BIBLE NOTES SHOW: Sabeans were people from southern Arabia. Until now, God had promised to save Israel from its enemies. In this chapter God offers them everlasting salvation. And God makes it plain  that his people include all those who follow him.

HOW DOES THIS CHAPTER RELATE TO US TODAY? Like the ancient people, we today know that our faith in God can save us from enemies. But here God also tells us that anyone who follows him can have everlasting salvation.  Later, Jesus, the Messiah would fulfill Israel's role and give all people the opportunity to follow God. It might be noted that Cyrus was the first Gentile ruler to be anointed by God. Why did he do it? Because he had a special role for Cyrus to fulfill.

This chapter shows the power of the Almighty. He still rules over light and darkness and good times and bad times. We should always remember to thank him when we prosper and pray to him in bad times. This is called the refining experience and makes you a better servant of God.

Yours in Christ,
Mary

Prayer Requests are needed for:



HEALTH: Pray for Gabe.


Pray for Arlene’s nephew David and for my neighbor Al who is nearing the end of his life.


Pray for Carolyn’s brother Ronald who has cancer and for her sister Wanda’s soul which went to heaven.


Pray for our friend Michelle who was diagnosed with MS.


Pray for Robert Sargent who is quite ill with lung cancer.


Pray for Gary Summers, my friend from church, who has cancer.


Pray for Judy’s husband who was recently diagnosed with prostate cancer. Pray for her too, that she can deal with the side effects of his illness.


Pray too for Charly’s husband Robert who is undergoing chemo for his prostate cancer. Update on Robert: he has one more treatment and then three months of waiting for his psat test to come back clean.


Pray for James’s sister Cynthia whose chemo has lost its effect as the cancer grows powerful.


Pray for another friend named Carolyn whose faith remains strong, but is lost and confused about where and how to spend her elder years.


SPIRITUAL UPLIFTING: Gail, Mary


RESTORATION OF FAITH: Al, John


LOVE AND SUPPORT: Claire, Hunter, Brian


SUPPORT: Haiti, Chile, survivors of Japan’s earthquake, survivors of the devastating tornadoes in our southernmost states and Joplin, Missouri. Pray too, for our country’s leaders and our military people who die each day for our freedom.