God Engages Everyone

Scripture: "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." Ezra 1:2

Observation: The exile is over after 70 years. This has been effectively one generation for the Jews. They will be a changed people, however it is amazing how much the OTHER nations of the region have actually been changed. What has happened during those 70 years?

-- Judah has been punished and exiled as prophesized due to the disobedience.

-- The surrounding enemies have been punished and destroyed as prophesized due to their gloating over the downfall of Judah.

-- Babylon has been defeated and taken over by the Persians as prophesized due to their pride in assuming it was their strength and not God's will that defeated Judah.

... but this is the amazing part ...

-- The Persian king has become a believe in Yahweh, acknowledging him as the supreme God of the world, and that it is Yahweh that has in fact granted he himself power, and thus he has heard God command him - as prophesized - to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem.

In one generation, God didn't just correct the Jews ... he completely overhauled everything about every people group in the entire middle east.

Application: As a history book, the Bible is written by the Israelites and therefore focuses on them and their unique relationship with God. However, throughout that narrative, God is ALWAYS engaged with all the other nations/people too! He is always changing, correcting, guiding, and punishing the Egyptians, Ammonites, Hittites, Cushites, Persians, Philistines, etc. He may often bring his message "through" the Israelites, but we repeatedly see his hand - in blessing and punishment - in the glimpses of other people.

Today, Christians are the Israelites, which means God is actively at work in the lives of ... Atheists, Hindis, Muslims, Agnostics, Buddhists, etc. That work is an attempt to guide them into a right relationship with himself, through faith in Jesus Christ and alignment of their lives with his purposes. Their conversions can be just as unlikely - and just as possible - as King Cyrus.

So how am I doing as an "Israelite"? Am I being different - truly exhibiting a different life and behavior compared to others around me? Am I vocal in my profession of faith during my daily activities? Does my behavior reflect God's expectations even when those around me don't care? Do I pass God's blessings in my life on to others?

I am currently in exile, and I need to understand that my calling is no less than to convert kings ... for God's message and love to come "through" me to others.

Prayer: Lord, please do give me courage and strength to be different. After reading about the examples of Ezekiel and Daniel, we see the results of their simple faithful lives. Keep me living the life you want me to live, through all circumstances and situations among all people I encounter every day, so that I may bring your kingdom to this place and reflect your love into their lives. Amen.