Learning from Isaiah

God’s Promises Even though Israel turned away from God, God did not forget them. God would have his people returned to him. God sweeps away our sins and scatters our offenses so that we can be with him. You should worship him for his mercy and glorify his name for his blessings. God made all things and shows that all others are unable to foretell the future. Isaiah assured Israel that Jerusalem and Judah would be restored and rebuilt. God ensured that Cyrus would command the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the restoration of the Temple before they were destroyed. He showed that he is all-knowing in Isaiah 44. In Isaiah 45, Isaiah tells about Cyrus who ruled 150 years after Isaiah’s prophecies. Cyrus is a gentile ruler but is also the Lord’s anointed one. God would empower Cyrus so that he would be able to rebuild Jerusalem and free the Jews so that they could return to Jerusalem. God did not give victory to Cyrus because of what Cyrus did but gave him power so that God’s children could be saved and restored. God sends good times and bad times. Cyrus needed to be powerful and wealthy so that God’s people could have good times after years of bad times. You should not question why God does what he does because he is the one who made all living things. It is foolish to question our creator for his purpose. Cyrus, a gentile, was created and raised to fulfill God’s righteous purpose. God guided Cyrus actions like he guides everyone. God continues to use those who do not believe in him to fulfill righteous purposes. It is important to remember God’s promises to protect us, but we should not question his steps in leading our lives since he is our all-knowing creator. You need to remember that you can only see the small picture while God sees the big picture.