“In the first year of King Cyrus of Persia, the Lord fulfilled the prophecy he had given through Jeremiah. He stirred the heart of Cyrus to put this proclamation in writing and to send it throughout his kingdom:”. Ezra 1:1 NLT
On several occasions, Jeremiah prophesied that the Jews would return to the promised land, a prophecy fulfilled in this chapter. Isaiah was another prophet who foresaw that God would bring his people back by using a strong nation to defeat the Babylonians and pave the way for the return of the Jews. What is interesting, is that Isaiah mentions him by name more than 100 years before Cyrus took the throne in Isaiah 44:28 – “When I say of Cyrus, ‘He is my shepherd’ he will certainly do as I say. He will command, ‘Rebuild Jerusalem’; he will say, ‘Restore the Temple.’”
I was reminded that not only was God with the Jews, but He also planned everything out and went before the Jews. The Jews were not on their own, just as we are not on our own. God was guiding them by His providence and He continues to guide His people today.
May we be encouraged that this is the God we serve. He is constant and true to His word, and not only walks with us, but has also planned and gone before us.
Lock Your Wings 
We’ve heard that nothing is impossible with God and yet I wonder if we truly believe that? Can we believe a King would all of a sudden declare that they could return from exile? Not only that but they would return with things they lost AND other gifts?!
“And all their neighbors assisted by giving them articles of silver and gold, supplies for the journey, and livestock. They gave them many valuable gifts in addition to all the voluntary offerings.”
Ezra 1:6 NLT
Nothing is impossible with God. He keeps His promises. He will never leave nor forsake us. He is good.
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