Sub-Theme:
The Lord God of all nations (5)
Topic:
HIS PREFERENCE FOR CYRUS THE PERSIAN KING
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Text: Isa. 45: 1-7
Aims
to teach why and how God preferred Cyrus, a Persian king, to fulfill His purposes.
Introduction
The Old Testament describes Cyrus the powerful Persian king as chosen by the Lord God of Israel to set His people free. Cyrus allowed the Jewish captives to return to their homeland in Jerusalem. This restoration, which was highlighted by the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem, had been prophesied by Jeremiah (Jer. 29: 10-14). Although, Cyrus did not know the Lord God of Israel, yet the Lord called him “His anointed” (Isa. 45: 1). We shall see how and why God chose and called Cyrus His anointed in this study.
Study Guide
What do you understand by God making a Persian king, Cyrus His preference? Isaiah 45:12
How do the following references support Cyrus, a Gentile king as God’s choice in the period? 2 Chron. 36: 22-23; Isa. 45: 5-7;
How should contemporary Christians recognize a non-Christian as anointed by God for His purposes? Ezra 1: 1-4; Ezra 6:3-5; Prov. 29: 2
Just as the sovereign God chose Cyrus to fulfill His purposes, how in practical terms should contemporary Christians be good leaders? See Psalm 37:3-5; Prov. 21: 1;Matt. 5: 13-16.
Conclusion
The Almighty God is Lord of all nations and peoples. He can choose to use anybody who submits his or her heart to Him for control. Such He will use to achieve His wonderful purposes on earth.
Food for Thought
God created all things and can use any of those things for His glorious purposes.
Memory Verse
Isa. 45: 1 “Thus says the Lord to His anointed, To Cyrus, whose right hand I have held – To subdue nations before him and loose the armor of kings, To open before him the double doors, So the gates will not be shut:”
