14 December 2008

God's Destiny Part 2 of 3 Cyrus Anointing

Isa 45: 1-4 This is what the LORD says to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I take hold of to subdue nations before him and to strip kings of their armour, to open doors before him so that gates will not be shut: I will go before you and will level the mountains; I will break down gates of bronze and cut through bars of iron. I will give you the treasures of darkness, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, who summons you by name. For the sake of Jacob my servant, of Israel my chosen, I summon you by name and bestow on you a title of honour, though you do not acknowledge me.

The first person pronoun "I" refers to God and not Cyrus. Cyrus was a mere instrument in God's hand. God gave Cyrus, who did not know the God of Israel, this anointing. Cyrus, the king of Persia made a decree that was fully in line with God's purposes:
2 Chron 36:23 This is what Cyrus king of Persia says: "The LORD, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth and he has appointed me to build a temple for him at Jeruslaem in Judah. Anyone of his people among you - may the LORD his God be with him, and let him go up."

Cyrus acknowledges that it is God who appointed him to build the temple in Jersualem. This is indeed an amazing statement from a foreign king who usually would destroy all the deities of their captives.

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