When Cyrus became the ancient King of Persia, he felt compelled to let a substantial number of his subjects return to their homeland. They had been conquered and moved to his kingdom decades before. So he said that any Jew that wanted to go home could go, with his blessing. Amazingly, many decided to take him up on his offer. They decided to uproot their families and return to the desolate land of their former relatives.
Why? Why did the King give his proclamation and lose these subjects? Why did the people pull up roots and go back where they had to rebuild all over again?
The Biblical Old Testament writer, Ezra, tells us that, "The Lord moved the heart of Cyrus, King of Persia." (1:1) Then Ezra said that "everyone whose heart God had moved..." returned. (1:5)
God stirred a pagan King to make a declaration, and stirred a people to take him up on the offer and leave. Remarkable!
This gives me hope. God can move on the hearts of Kings, Presidents, Leaders...and he can move on the hearts of ordinary people. When he has a plan, He can move heaven and earth to accomplish that plan if He so chooses.
So, could that 'big idea" within you have been planted there by the God of the heavens and earth? Is He stirring something within you? Is He compelling you to do something?
Could the words of the venerable Psalms 23 be an actuality within you? "The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want. He leadeth me..." I rather think so.
What incredible encouragement. Stirred...compelled...stimulated... inspired...
1 comment:
The Lord wants Christians to be people of action. Christianity is not a pacifist religion, it is a religion of fighting and overcoming evil, and spreading the word. If every Christian that ever felt a burn to do something for the Lord, did something for the Lord, I believe the world and this nation would be a better place. Lets make 2009 a great year for Jesus. Lets all pledge to bring at least one person to church with the goal of saving their soul. Lets all pledge to read our entire bible in one year, it is only 3 chapters a day. Lets all pledge to spend some of our time and money in doing the Lords work. And that is above and beyond tithing and going to church. Lets all do a little more. After all the Lord has sure done a lot for us.
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