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SATURDAY JULY 4


THE CYRUS CYLINDER

READ:
Ezra 1:1
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The LORD stirred up
the spirit of Cyrus
king of Persia.
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In 1879, archaeologists discovered a remarkable little item in an area now known as Iraq (biblical Babylon). Just 9 inches long, the Cyrus Cylinder records something that King Cyrus of Persia did 2,500 years ago. It says that Cyrus allowed a group of people to return to their homeland and rebuild their "holy cities."

It's the same story told in Ezra 1. There we read that "the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia" to make a proclamation (v. 1). Cyrus said he was releasing the captives in Babylon to go home to Jerusalem, re-establish their homes, and rebuild their temple (vv. 2-5). But there's more to the story. Daniel confessed his sins and his people's sins and pleaded with God to end the Babylonian captivity (DAN. 9). In response, God sent an angel to speak to Daniel (v. 21). Later He moved Cyrus to release the Hebrews. (SEE ALSO JER. 25:11-12); 39:10).

Together, the Cyrus Cylinder and God's Word combine to show us that the king's heart was changed and he allowed the exiled Hebrews to go home and worship.

This story has great implications for us today. In a world that seems out of control, we can rest assured that God can move the hearts of leaders. We read in Proverbs 21:1 that "the king's heart is in the hand of the LORD." and Romans 13:1 says that "there is no authority except from God."

The Lord, who is able to change our own hearts as well as our leaders', can be trusted for He is in control. Let's ask him to work. ___Dave Branon

** Father, the world seems out of control,. We know You are sovereign over
everything. We pray that Your will be done in the hearts of our leaders.
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Rather than complain, pray.

*****************************Today's Bible Reading __ Ezra 1:1-4**********************************
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, so that he made a proclamation throughout all
his kingdom, and also put it in writing, saying,

2 Thus says Cyrus King of Persia:
All the kingdoms of the earth the LORD God of heaven has
given me. And He has commanded me to build him a house
at Jerusalem which is in Judah. 3 Who is among you of all
His people? May his God be with him, and let him go up to
Jerusalem which is in Judah, and build the house of the LORD
God of Israel (He is God), which is in Jerusalem. 4 and whoever
is left in any place where he dwells, let the men of his place
help him with silver and gold, with goods and livestock,
besides the freewill offerings for the house of God which is in
Jerusalem.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>INSIGHT<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
Ezra is one of the Old Testament books that
deals with the Israelites' return to the land of promise after
their exile in Babylon. Along with the books of Nehemiah and
Haggai, it focuses on rebuilding Jerusalem, the once proud capital
of the southern kingdom. Ezra's role as a scribe was to rebuild
the religious life of the Israelites through the law of Moses. In
Nehemiah, the focus in on rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem to
once again make it a safe haven for the people. Haggai's focus
some years later was on the importance of rebuilding the temple,
the center of the Israelites' national life.
HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY EVERYONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!