He calls us by name
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Isaiah 44:24-28; 45:1-3
44: 24. Thus says the Lord, your Redeemer, who formed you from the womb: "I am the Lord, who made all things, who stretched out the heavens alone, who spread out the earth -- Who was with me? -- 25. who frustrates the omens of liars, and makes fools of diviners; who turns wise men back, and makes their knowledge foolish; 26. who confirms the word of his servant, and performs the counsel of his messengers; who says of Jerusalem, `She shall be inhabited,' and of the cities of Judah, `They shall be built, and I will raise up their ruins'; 27. who says to the deep, `Be dry, I will dry up your rivers'; 28. who says of Cyrus, `He is my shepherd, and he shall fulfil all my purpose'; saying of Jerusalem, `She shall be built,' and of the temple, `Your foundation shall be laid.'"
45: 1. Thus says the Lord to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have grasped, to subdue nations before him and ungird the loins of kings, to open doors before him that gates may not be closed: 2. "I will go before you and level the mountains, I will break in pieces the doors of bronze and cut asunder the bars of iron, 3. I will give you the treasures of darkness and the hoards in secret places, that you may know that it is I, the Lord, the God of Israel, who call you by your name.
Idolatry dominated the ancient world. God chastises His people that it is foolish to trust in anything, anyone but Him. He tells us that over and over again, doesn’t He!? Isaiah predicted the fall of Judah to Babylon, now he predicts the fall of Babylon and the return of Jews to their homeland. This may not seem so amazing—since we’re used to God revealing truths, even about the future, to prophets. But what is amazing about these verses is that God reveals the name of the person He will use to fulfill His plan! Cyrus ordered the rebuilding of the temple at Jerusalem. He tolerated and even embraced the idols of the people whose kingdoms he overthrew. Perhaps that’s why God chose to use him to fulfill His plan.
Jeremiah also talks about the temple being rebuilt! I actually was referred to several scripture on this topic! I feel so uneducated when I see references to so many other books of the bible! In a perfect world, I could spend my whole day reading the bible, going to and studying the references, and then use reference books to help me understand and relate it all! But, glimpses and bits and pieces will have to suffice! Because, alas, God intends me to live in the world—not in seclusion! But I do cherish those rare times when I can spend and hour or two in the word!
These verses are packed with powerful messages! One of the facts that is so striking to me, beyond God actually naming Cyrus, is that Cyrus’ rule was 150 years into Isaiah’s future! Some of my notes indicate that the reader may object to God using a ruler who worships other gods, I contend that this demonstrates the power He has over the history of the world. Isn’t it comforting to know that God is so personally and intimately involved in the workings of our world?!
It may not seem that that’s the case sometimes, but I am deeply comforted to think that the same God who “says to the deep, ‘Be dry, I will dry up your rivers’, and “I will go before you and level the mountains” is the same God who made me. The same creator who thought of me before creation began. The same ruler who patiently, lovingly, methodically, and purposefully laid out His truths for mankind since Adam, and still today allows us to wonder and wander. And when we realize His word is the only one we need to live, He rejoices!
He gives us signs and wonders. He sends prophets. He fulfills every promise and makes each prediction of future events a fact. And He does it all for us. For you. For me. For his beloved creations who He calls by name. Cyrus the Great was the founder of the Persian Empire. God used him to rebuild His own earthly empire. But God also uses ordinary, every-day, regular people to fulfill His plan, too. He uses you and me. I bow down to a God so great that He dries up rivers at the mere thought of it happening, and saves a place for me with Him in heaven.
I hope you spend your day trusting that God is in control of your present, and your future and that you find deep, abiding peace in the comfort that offers.
Mary
