Reflection

Cyrus, king of Persia was not a man of God. At least he was not a follower of Yahweh, the God of the Israelites. But God’s purposes will be accomplished and God can use anyone and any circumstances to achieve them. So, when the Israelites found themselves in exile in Babylon, it was Cyrus, anointed by God to do the work of God, who officially allowed the exiles to return to Jerusalem. (Persia is now part of Iran and the Persian people make up half the population of that country.)

Where is God at work today in the lives and actions of leaders who are not God-followers? We may not know, but we can thank God that it is so. And what about you: how do you hear the voice of God? What unexpected people and circumstances in your life could God be using to speak to you?

Prayer

Lord God, open our eyes and ears to see and hear you speaking in unexpected ways. Use our circumstances and the people around us to teach us and call us closer to you. And give us the will to follow your lead.