Ezra 1-3 List of the Highly Improbable

May 21st, Ezra 1-3

       Time to rebuild. Not the dream of the Israelites, but the Spirit stirred up the heart of Cyrus, King of Persia. Not only to rebuild the Temple, but to return the articles that Nebuchadnezzar had raided when he took the temple in the first place. 5,400 items of gold and silver, no small amount. Most Kings would do anything to make their captives feel like they have no control. Cyrus did the exact opposite, gave something back that was extremely valuable to them.
       Sometimes in the church I think we have this arrogance that God speaks to us and God doesn't speak to those "heathens out there that don't love God the way we do!" We don't listen very well to people outside of the church because we don't think they have anything to offer. Now it's true that there is a lot of contempt out there that we have to weed through. But we believe in a God who reaches out to his creation to draw them to himself. We need to leave room for the Cyrus' and Cornelius' story that is taking place around us. Places where God is at work in the lives of others and interact with great joy to witness God making something new.
       I encourage you to be on the lookout for what God is up to. God spoke to Cyrus and asked a King to give up control. God can do anything. Who knows what God is shaking loose in the lives of your family members, neighbors, or co-workers. I dare say this...there is one person in your life, unknown to you, that God is preparing a heart for what seems impossible.
      Rebuilding the Temple...not gonna happen. Kings give up control...not gonna happen. Kings give up part of their fortune...seriously. 'Ol so and so softening to hearing God's voice...Yes and Amen!!