A Nugget from New Life Network
Scripture for the Day – May 29, 2020
Daniel answered and said, Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are his: And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding: (Daniel 2:20-21)
King Cyrus (known as King Cyrus the Great) was considered one of the greatest Kings that ever lived. He built the largest kingdom of all time, including the present time. King Cyrus was beloved by his people and even the people that he conquered. He was always very respectful and treated all his conquered subjects with dignity. He never made them change their beliefs or their practices of worship. He respected all religions, all though he did not know God.
Here is the strange part. God used Cyrus anyway, even though He did not know the Lord.
Thus saith the Lord to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have holden, to subdue nations before him; and I will loose the loins of kings, to open before him the two leaved gates; and the gates shall not be shut; will go before thee, and make the crooked places straight: I will break in pieces the gates of brass, and cut in sunder the bars of iron: And I will give thee the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places, that thou mayest know that I, the Lord, which call thee by thy name, am the God of Israel. For Jacob my servant’s sake, and Israel mine elect, I have even called thee by thy name: I have surnamed thee, though thou hast not known me. (Isaiah 45:1-4).
This is a point we all need to be aware of. God is not limited to using believers only. He can use anybody. Moses was a murderer. The Apostle Paul persecuted believers and watched as they stoned Stephen to death. The Lord sets up Kings and brings them down. It is way above our pay grade! God was getting Cyrus ready for his biggest accomplishment.
In the first year of Cyrus the King he made a decree concerning the house of God at Jerusalem, Let the house be builded, the place where they offered sacrifices, and let the foundations thereof be strongly laid; the height thereof threescore cubits, and the breadth thereof threescore cubits; With three rows of great stones, and a row of new timber: and let the expenses be given out of the king’s house: And also let the golden and silver vessels of the house of God, which Nebuchadnezzar took forth out of the temple which is at Jerusalem, and brought unto Babylon, be restored, and brought again unto the temple which is at Jerusalem, every one to his place, and place them in the house of God. (Ezra 6:3-5)
I have raised him up in righteousness, and I will direct all his ways: he shall build my city, and he shall let go my captives, not for price nor reward, saith the Lord of hosts. (Isaiah 45:13)
That’s right!!!! King Cyrus, that did not know God, was used by God to rebuild the temple. Our lesson, be careful who you judge. They may be God’s servant!!!
