Isaiah 45: 1-7
“This is what the Lord says to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I take hold of to subdue nations before him and to strip kings of their armor, to open the doors before him so that gates will not be shut: I will go before you and level the mountains; I will break down gates of bronze and will cut through bars of iron. I will give you the treasures of darkness, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the Lord, the God of Israel, who summons you by name. For the sake of Jacob my servant, of Israel my chosen, I summon you by name and bestow on you a title of honor, though you do not acknowledge me.
I am the Lord, and there is no other; apart from me there is no God. I will strengthen you, though you have not acknowledged me, so that from the rising of the sun to the place of its setting men may know there is none besides me. I am the Lord, there is no other. I form the light and create darkness, I bring prosperity and create disaster; I, the Lord, do all these things.
A Thought
Isaiah, God’s prophet, foretells future events long before they come to pass. Today, God speaks through Isaiah concerning Cyrus, a man who will become the future king of Persia. Isaiah speaks that Cyrus has been set apart, called by name with a title of honor even though he does not acknowledge God. God speaks concerning himself that he is the Lord, the only God, he form the light and create darkness, he brings prosperity and creates disaster, also he will strengthen Cyrus so men will know that he is the Lord and there is no other.
Our Prayer
Father you have proven yourself to be the only true God to all who have eyes to see. Open the eyes of our heart that we may understand and acknowledge your eternal love for Israel and all of your creation. Strengthen us that we may show the world that you are the Lord and that there is no other. We bow down to exalt, to lift you up in worship; you are our only hope and salvation in Jesus’ name, amen.
