The Journey to Restoration

 

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: “Thus says Cyrus king of Persia: The LORD, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth, and he has charged me to build him a house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah. Whoever 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 rebuild the house of the LORD, the God of Israel—he is the God who is in Jerusalem. And let each survivor, in whatever place he sojourns, be assisted by the men of his place with silver and gold, with goods and with beasts, besides freewill offerings for the house of God that is in Jerusalem.” (Ezra 1:1–4 ESV).

 

It is easy to neglect the Old Testament, especially at this time of the year. However, there is so much to glean from the stories of God’s work of grace from Genesis to Malachi. Today we will begin in the Book of Ezra, ultimately taking the devotionals from both this book and Nehemiah. Context is important as we begin. When the temple in Jerusalem fell in 586 B.C., Israel’s identity and center as God’s dwelling place came to an end. It was a devastating loss. Both from the Assyrians and Babylonians, their captivity and generational loss were complete. Though Israel remained God’s special people, they had failed to live as he called them to, so God sent them into exile to lead them back to His purpose and path.

 

But God didn’t leave them to their own devices. He watched over them for 70 years and then brought them back. In the past God had used special leaders within Israel to point the people back to himself. But this time God appointed a Persian king to see that the temple of the Lord in Jerusalem would be rebuilt. Cyrus would not have been Israel’s first choice. But he was God’s choice, and he submitted to God’s will.

 

Isn’t it interesting to see the will and purpose of God at work for the good of His children? I have often been heard to say that “God can strike a straight blow with a crooked stick.” My intent is to communicate the truth that God can use even the most unlikely allies to bring us to himself. God uses people who are open to doing his will over their own.

 

More to the point of our look into these books is the truth that God’s desire is for us to follow the path of restoration. The past year may have been one of dashed relationships, torn dreams, and broken promises in your life. But God provides a way to give us new hope and life. His Son, Jesus, King of all kings, submitted to God’s will and gave his own life to pay for our sin. And today, as the risen Savior, he calls us back to God to enjoy full life with him. Be intentional to look for the hand of God, even in the most counter-intuitive experiences of your life. He delights to bring us good! Trust in Him alone!