Devotion for September 9, 2008

The Sovereign Lord

“Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, so that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and also [put it] in writing, saying, Thus says Cyrus king of Persia: All the kingdoms of the earth the LORD God of heaven has given me. And He has commanded me to build Him a house at Jerusalem which [is] in Judah. Who [is] among you of all His people? May his God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem which [is] in Judah, and build the house of the LORD God of Israel (He [is] God), which [is] in Jerusalem. And whoever is left in any place where he dwells, let the men of his place help him with silver and gold, with goods and livestock, besides the freewill offerings for the house of God which [is] in Jerusalem.” (Ezra 1:1-4 NKJV)

Here is an amazing thing to encourage the heart of believers. There is no one saved or lost that God cannot control. The Lord stirred Cyrus King of Persia to let the people return to build the temple in Jerusalem.

The Scripture says, “The Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus.” God made him willing to let the people return. Never sell short the power of God to be in control. No matter how bleak the future looks, humanly speaking, God is able to turn the king’s heart any way He desires.

Be encouraged by this thought and turn that encouragement into prayer. It doesn’t matter who wins the upcoming election. God will turn the heart of whoever wins to do His will. That might not look like what you believe to be best for His kingdom. Nevertheless, He will accomplish His will. “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to [His] purpose.” (Romans 8:28 NKJV)

It’s not about living in this world, but living for the next. “Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ [who is] our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.” (Colossians 3:2-4 NKJV) It will be worth the wait my friends. In the meantime, know that the Lord is sovereign over all things. Amen.