Dave's Diary

Daily Readings: Ezra 1-2 and Psalm 4

Daniel 6:29 tells us that “Daniel prospered during the reign of Darius and the reign of Cyrus of Persia.” One wonders whether, when Cyrus became king and called for his wise men to advise him, Daniel didn’t possibly call for the scroll of the prophet Jeremiah and read aloud Isaiah 44:28-45:5, which mentions Cyrus by name some 150 years before he was born. Did he perhaps turn to prophecies of Jeremiah 25:8-13 and Jeremiah 29:10-14, which refer to the punishment of Babylon and the end of Israel’s exile? Was this by any chance what God used to move Cyrus’ heart to release the Jewish exiles (Ezra 1:1)?

Whatever the reason, in the very first year of his reign, Cyrus issued a decree releasing the Jews to return to Jerusalem and to rebuild the Temple. He even decreed that their neighbours should assist them by giving them silver, gold, goods, livestock and freewill offerings for the Temple. This was a stunning turn-around in the fortunes of the Jews. Immediately, “everyone whose heart God had moved – prepared to go up and build the house of the Lord in Jerusalem” (v.5).

The year was 538BC, and every Jew in exile had the opportunity to return to Jerusalem and participate in the wonderful privilege of rebuilding Yahweh’s Temple. Yet the more or less 43 000 people who returned in the first wave of repatriation was only a small percentage of the Jews. These were the ones whose hearts God had moved to return (Ezra 1:5). Others contributed massively through their treasures though, judging by the 500kg of gold and 2.8 metric tons of silver the returning exiles took with them. These were the ones whose hearts God moved to give sacrificially!

As disciples we know that we are given opportunities to extend the Kingdom of God. Some of these opportunities are “everyday” ones, like the connections we have with colleagues, acquaintances and family members to whom we can minister. Others are occasional, such as specific campaigns or outreaches. And yet others come along only once or twice in a lifetime, such as the opportunity to invest our time and treasure in the building of a Church building to God’s glory. When faced by any of these opportunities, let us pray that God will move our hearts to participate with our spiritual gifts, time, energy and treasure in appropriate ways – ways that align with His calling and the blessings He has poured into our lives.

Heavenly Father, that is my prayer. Open my eyes today to be alert to the opportunities You are giving me, and move my heart to respond in ways appropriate to Your calling and to my specific gifts, abilities and treasures. Amen