Pocket Thoughts - 7/17/26
When King Nebuchadnezzar conquered Jerusalem, he carried off 5,400 articles of gold and silver used for worship in the Lord’s Temple, and he placed them in the temple of his gods. This was his effort to display the dominance of his gods over the One True God. Forty-eight years later, King Cyrus sat on the throne in Babylon and granted the Jews permission to return to Jerusalem, rebuild the Temple, and resettle in the land. And what did he send with them? Every single article King Nebuchadnezzar had taken from the Temple. Cyrus wasn’t a Jew, but God worked through him to bring His people back to their homeland and to restore His center of worship. One king acting in arrogance and pride sought to humiliate and dishearten God’s people. He was actually being used by the Lord to discipline His rebellious children. Many years later, God influenced another king to show favor and support for the Jews. When your life is affected negatively by the actions and attitudes of others, keep your eyes on God. He’s always at work on your behalf, and His timing is perfect. He can use anyone to accomplish His will. He’s your Advocate. Relief and justice may not come on this side of heaven, but they’re promised to all who belong to Him. You’ll never regret staying faithful to the Faithful One.
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Father God, just as You “moved the hearts” (Ezra 1:5) of the remnant returning from exile to Jerusalem, “move my heart” to faithful, loving obedience and glad, selfless service in the Name of my King Jesus. Keep me strong in the face of opposition. Give me compassion and grace for those who treat me unkindly. Let Your wisdom fill my mind so that I operate from a place of discernment and confidence in Your sovereign plan. I’m sobered by the depravity and pride of evil leadership in this world and the cruelty and oppression they impose on those entrusted to their care. But my hope is in You, Lord. Holy God of perfect justice, the Day is promised – and I firmly believe is coming! – when every wicked idea, word, and activity is incinerated in the fire of Your righteous wrath. While time still allows, may many who are now lost hear the call of the Spirit and be found in humility, repentance, and Your welcoming arms. May I and all of Your people be found living out “patient endurance and faithfulness” to the end. (Revelation 13:10b) You move hearts. By the Spirit’s power, move my feet to carry the gospel to my corner of the world. By the saving work of Jesus and in His beautiful Name, amen.
