September 7, 2016: SOAP #24780:  2Kings 25; 2Chronicles 36; Jeremiah 40-41; Revelation 12

Scripture:  2Chronicles (NIV) 36:22 In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, in order to fulfil the word of the LORD spoken by Jeremiah, the LORD moved the heart of Cyrus king of Persia to make a proclamation throughout his realm and to put it in writing:  23 “This is what Cyrus king of Persia says: “‘The LORD, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth and he has appointed me to build a temple for him at Jerusalem in Judah. Anyone of his people among you—may the LORD his God be with him, and let him go up.’”

Observation:    King Cyrus was a king of a nation that did not serve Jehovah God.  He was the most powerful man in the world.  Yet he seemed not to be a prideful man thinking he had accomplished everything himself.  He realized that the God of heaven had given him this great kingdom.  This God had a special purpose for him.  He had been assigned to build a temple in Jerusalem.

Application:    It is important to realize that God has put me where He wants me and has assignments for me.  Like King Cyrus, I need to make preparations to accomplish His assignment.   And it is good for me to realize that God can use people to do His will even if they are not yet part of His kingdom.  Like God caused King Cyrus to look on the Jews with favor, God can do the same for me.

Prayer:    Heavenly Father, what you have assigned me may seem impossible for me to accomplish, but I must walk in faith that you have people nearby who will look on me with favor and come to my help.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!