1 This is what the LORD says to Cyrus His anointed, whose right hand I have grasped to subdue nations before him, to disarm kings, to open the doors before him, so that the gates will not be shut:

4 For the sake of Jacob My servant and Israel My chosen one, I call you by name; I have given you a title of honor, though you have not known Me.

13 I will raise up Cyrus in righteousness, and I will make all his ways straight. He will rebuild My city and set My exiles free, but not for payment or reward, says the LORD of Hosts.”

— Isaiah 45:1, 4, 13

6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

7 Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish and sustain it with justice and righteousness from that time and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of Hosts will accomplish this.

— Isaiah 9:6-7

4 But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, having been born of a woman, having been born under the Law,

5 to redeem those under the law, that we might receive our adoption as sons.

— Galatians 4:4-5

Thoughts on Today’s Reading

Grace, mercy and salvation from Christ to you.

More than 150 years before King Cyrus was born God had mentioned him to be His shepherd through Prophet Isaiah. What difference does it make to know that God named a powerful king like Cyrus to an appointed task long before his existence? How do the highs and lows of an ancient people impact us today? Without recognizing God’s preordained and certain work in the past, we will not understand His ongoing presence and power today and into the future. The people and history of planet Earth are not careening aimlessly toward an uncertain destination. While we cannot know or understand when or how God will carry out His plan, even the turmoil we face can be entrusted to Him.

Fulfilled prophecy confirms God’s truth and displays His character. God, the eternal King, works through and despite earthly kings. God’s unfolding plan, moving forward in His perfect time and ordained way indeed strengthen our faith. Jesus Christ, God’s own Son, came to earth as God had promised. He will return, just as God has foretold. We praise our eternal God that He has revealed enough about the future for us, His people, to experience comfort and hope today.