PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Ezra 1-2
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“The Lord moved the heart of Cyrus king of Persia…” (Ezra 1:1)
How does God direct history when humans are free to do their own thing?
I can’t say I understand it, but I can imagine how God can move our hearts.
“In the Lord’s hand the king’s heart is a stream of water
that he channels toward all who please him.” (Proverbs 21:1)
A stream flows freely, but it moves along predictable paths, in the lowest places.
God knows where our hearts are inclined, and he can manage where they will flow.
Cyrus didn’t become a believer; this was a strategy he used for other captive nations.
He was being shrewd politically, and God directed it for the purpose of the kingdom.
Similarly the hearts of many (not all) of the captives were promoted to go (1:5).
And their neighbours, whom the Jews had come to befriend, supported them too (v.6).
Their seeking the peace of prosperity of Babylon was finally paying off (Jeremiah 29:7).
God gives us what our hearts desire, but what do our hearts desire?
God will use our heart’s desire, whether good or bad, to fulfill his greater purpose.
What is my heart’s desire, and is it moving me closer to or further from God’s blessing?
PRAYER
Lord, move my heart closer to God, and use me in such a way that others are moved closer to God. This is my heart’s desire.
I get a real thrill when I read the testimonies of Kings and rulers outside of the traditional ‘people of God’ who bear testimony to God – I think of Nebuchadnezzar’s testimony after he was humbled – and here Cyrus: “the Lord moved the heart of Cyrus king of Persia”. Why should I be surprised? God can work through the hearts of anyone – including me. Oh, Holy Spirit move me to delight in doing the will of God my heavenly Father! Let me not lose sight of your leading, I pray – make me, fill me, move me!
The Spirit of the Lord stirred to rebuild. God moves in mighty ways His wonders to perform. God’s place of worship was restored. And we also need this today – the people stirred to worship Him and give freely to Him. All for Jesus and not themselves. God is First and that needs to be the focus today and always. Worship Him. Obey Him. Listen and do His bidding.
1 Let me walk in the path which my Savior hath trod,
Let me follow so close by His side;
For by trusting in Him I am happy and free,
In the fold of His love let me hide.
Refrain:
In His love let me hide,
In His love let me hide;
For by trusting in Him, I am happy and free,
In the fold of His love let me hide.
2 Let my heart e’er be fixed on my treasures above,
Let the pleasures of earth fade away;
For there’s nothing so lovely as Jesus to me,
Let me ne’er from His love go astray.