Ezra 5-6 | God's Sovereignty Over Rulers

And they observed the Feast of Unleavened Bread seven days with joy, for the Lord had caused them to rejoice, and had turned the heart of the king of Assyria toward them to encourage them in the work of the house of God, the God of Israel. (Ezra 6:22)

The story in Ezra of the release and return of the people to Israel and the rebuilding of the temple is astounding. Israel had been taken captive years before by the Assyrians because of their rebellion.

"Because our fathers had provoked the God of heaven to wrath, He gave them into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon... who destroyed this temple and deported the people to Babylon. However, in the first year of Cyrus king of Babylon, King Cyrus issued a decree to rebuild this house of God. (Ezra 5:12-13)

There was simply no reason for this to happen, except the desire and activity of God—God’s desire to discipline His people and develop them and then God’s desire to return and restore His people and nation.

GOD HAS NOT CHANGED

He still operates in this manner, but we do not see it. The writer of Proverbs says,

The king’s heart is like channels of water in the hand of the Lord; He turns it wherever He wishes. (Proverbs 21:1)

It happened in the past. It is happening now. It will happen in the future. God can, at any time as He desires, move kingdoms to accomplish His will.

One of the greatest fulfilled prophecies in our lifetimes occurred in 1948 with the return of the Jews to Israel. This had been prophesied and then, miraculously, it occurred. God has made promises to Israel that will be fulfilled, for He is a promise-keeping God.

IMPORTANT FOR US

Why is this important for us, as Gentiles, to know? Understanding God’s prophecies and promises help us understand the times. We need not worry: God is on His throne and working His ultimate plan to complete conclusion. The Jews play a vital role in this, as does His church.

Watch the activity of God and be patient and cooperative with God. God knows what He is about.

Father, as nations rise and fall, let me cooperate with Your agenda. Help me trust You and give myself to the most important task which is sharing the gospel so more can be a part of Your kingdom for all eternity.