And in Ecbatana, the citadel that is in the province of Media, a scroll was found on which this was written: “A record. In the first year of Cyrus the king, Cyrus the king issued a decree: Concerning the house of God at Jerusalem, let the house be rebuilt, the place where sacrifices were offered, and let its foundations be retained. (Ezra 6:2,3 ESV)
Know Who Is In Charge
When the Jews were coming back gradually from exile, they met with obstacle after obstacle. Anyone looking at the series of events might be confused. Until this verse, the Hand behind the events is unclear. But suddenly, when an old record of King Cyrus was examined, both God’s people and those who opposed God’s people could discern a plan that was being followed.
God was bringing His people home. Sometimes obviously, sometimes behind the scenes, sometimes hidden for now… God brings His people home.
History can be hard to understand. Civilizations rise and fall, seemingly without purpose. Plans of great and lesser folk come to fruition or fall by the wayside, seemingly without purpose. Events are chaotic, without clear cause or profitable result.
Every time analysts think they understand what the key motivators of history, some new facet casts doubt on the previous theories.
But God’s people are unique. We might not know exactly what is happening, but we know WHO is happening. Every event, whether we understand it or not, is under the authority of God. Every event, whether bringing immediate sorrow or joy, is under the authority of God. Every event, whether in the past, present, or future, is under the authority of God.
And we are that God’s people, through Christ Jesus.
We are peculiar, we know what is going on.