Ezra 1:1. “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, that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and put it also in writing, saying,” THE LORD STIRRED. They were there in his city, though from a different land. Each one seemed quite busy; some good with their hands. Others able in business and good at turning a profit – But it wasn’t hard to see; they didn’t really fit. These are God’s people, far away from their home – That’s why the Lord stirred up the king so they would return.
When God starts to work, there are no limitations. He creates a stir in the spirit making situations To arise that produce from some unusual source; An action in one person can change the whole course Of a nation of people that to most is hidden from view. But when the Lord stirs them up there are quite a few.
God has a purpose today, similar to that one of old. He wants His people to be willing to do what they’re told. When it comes to making changes in the daily affairs of life, God wants willing people to go up and do what is right By building up again what has been torn down, And restoring His house where once His name had been crowned.
To build up again what was once a place of glory; Is probably not going to happen, like at the first of the story.
But God is not limited, He can use whoever He will, Beginning with a pagan king who has a conscience still; And through him calling on others – the people of God, To leave what they are doing and go up to build.
Build again the place where God dwells with the people He chose. Build again in the same place with leadership and all of those Whose spirit God raised up to see far beyond here; And give themselves to a work that God’s name will bear. Build again so the people of God will worship again In Spirit and in Truth – the ways that please Him.
Are there those willing to go back and really start over? By giving up what pleases them and seek and recover The truths that distinguish those who gather in His name alone? Are there those who will answer the call of their conscience and come To rebuild again based on the scriptures that guide – And the Holy Spirit’s direction that in each believer abides?
“Gracious God, our eyes are often in the wrong place looking for the wrong thing. If there is a “Cyrus” somewhere near by Thou art stirring up, please send him to us to challenge our hearts and spirits to build again. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.”