Reading
SAA Notes
Four kings follow in quick succession. All four did evil in the eyes of the Lord. (See 2 Kings 23:32 for Jehoahaz.) The book ends with Cyrus’ proclamation regarding the building of the Temple in Jerusalem. The great aim of these two books is to encourage believers to build the Temple – for us it’s the Temple of His Spirit, the Church.
SJA Notes
* Dear God, we would trust in You with all our hearts, and lean only on Your understanding. We would acknowledge You – Please make straight our paths.
“Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, …”
Here we are at the end of the book of Chronicles, of the kings of Israel and Judah.
We are to remember that this book was written for the exiles returning to the promised land.
Soon we will begin reading through Ezra and Nehemiah, details and accounts of the return of God’s people, the rebuilding of the temple.
But here we have book ending in triumph – our God is SOVEREIGN!
“… The LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia,”
We see God at work in the world powers. He raises up. He pulls down.
He caused Cyrus to issue a command and proclamation for the return.
How good it is for us, the proclamation of love in the form of God in the Person of the Son – Our King Jesus – That God has proclaimed His love and mercy to us, that He abides with us, in us as little tabernacles – That on that last day we will be brought into His presence, becoming in full truth a building not built with hands.
Hallelujah, what a Saviour!
* Father God,
Please help us see today what You want for us, what You wanted for the exiles returning.
Please fix within us a steady and sure hope in Your steadfast love and faithfulness – In Your sovereignty at work in our lives.
Amen.