Once again we see a display of God's sovereignty. Cyrus was not a Jew, was not a believer, and yet God moved him and worked through him to fulfill prophecy and return the exiled Jews to their homeland. And not only did he allow their return, he provided them with protection, money, and the temple articles that had been taken by Nebuchadnezzar. God's power is not limited to our resources. He can use anyone to accomplish His plans.
I wonder about the Jews who chose to remain in Babylon. The journey back to Jerusalem was definitely difficult, dangerous, expensive, and long. How often do we miss out on God's best for us because we're not willing to do the work or make the sacrifice that God asks of us? Are comfort, security, and material possessions our priorities, or is it serving God in whatever capacity He asks of us?
In our NT passage, I love Paul's reference to Timothy's mother and grandmother. It implies that Timothy's father was not a believer, or was not around. What hope this gives to single parents or those married to unbelievers. Your faith can still have an impact on your children or your grandchildren!
Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage passage: Ezra 3-5; 2 Timothy 2
3 comments:
Good point about Timothy's mother and grandmother. I had never thought about how this passage can be an encouragement for single parents or marriages were one spouse is saved.
"For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control." 2 Timothy 1:6-7
These verses spoke to me that when we receive the Holy Spirit, we all have a gift of God inside us, but it's up to us to light it up like a flame.
I had never thought about the reference to Timothy's mother and grandmother either...great thoughts. I think about how easy it is to be comfortable and how hard it is to step out of that comfort zone.
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