REFERENCE TEXT: Isaiah 45:1-6
Today’s message is one that captures Royalty, but not in the same context we are used to. In God’s dealings with men, we often see him move with “the people he has chosen as His own”. So in plain terms, those who in the very least, know Him and acknowledge His place. However, sometimes God routes things through unexpected pathways. As such, there are many moments when He goes off script and uses others outside this pool.
Reading the account of the prophet Isaiah today regarding Cyrus, whom God called ‘his anointed’, two other kings come to mind from scripture ‘Artaxerxes of Persia and Pharoah of Egypt’.
Nehemiah was cupbearer to Artaxerxes, and it was this king’s discernment and letters that provided the starting point and resources to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. It was Pharoah’s dream that raised the status of Joseph to prime minister to ensure grain was stored before famine, and for Cyrus, he was equipped to rebuild God’s city, and set exiles free (Is 45:13)
Thus, we realise that underlying all of God’s encounters with these kings is a revelation captured in Isaiah 45:4 ‘For the sake of Jacob my servant, and Israel my chosen’. Do you understand? St Peter left this charge “Honour all men, love the brotherhood, fear God, honour the king”(1 Pt 2:17). Why? Because God is able to use all things and all men to accomplish his purposes.
In fact, the heart of every King is a waterway in the hand of the Lord and He directs it where He pleases (Prov 21:1).
#sly
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