Our daily reflections follow the M'Cheyne Bible reading plan, designed for those who want to read the whole Bible in one year. Each reflection focuses on one of the chapters from that day's readings. Darllenwch rhain yn Gymraeg.
Lord, prepare me to receive your word. Clear my mind and warm my heart. Assure me of your loving purposes for me, and speak into my life today.
King Cyrus, the Persian ruler whose vast empire included the Holy Land and who was to allow the exiled Jews to return home from Babylon, was not a believer in the God of Israel. However, God believed in him: 'I have given you great honour, although you do not know me,' says the prophet (verse 4). This chapter speaks of how Cyrus was an instrument in God's hands for the redemption of his people, even if he didn't acknowledge this himself. For Cyrus, respecting the customs and beliefs of conquered peoples was just good politics; it made for a peaceful and harmonious empire. Believers saw God at work in it.
God is active in history, and he still blesses his people by the actions of those who don't acknowledge him. However, we should be careful about identifying 'Cyrus' figures today; we aren't prophets, with a God-given authority to pronounce truth.
What this chapter does tell us, though, is that we should be grateful for those who do God's will without acknowledging him. And perhaps stories like this help to expand our understanding of God's care for his world: he doesn't only work through believers, but through people of goodwill who serve him whether they know it or not. We shouldn't be surprised at this: he has given a 'common grace' to all people. As the prophet says in Malachi 2.10, 'Don't we all have the same father? Didn't the same God create us all?'
God, help me to see your hand at work when people do good things, even if they don't know you or acknowledge you as Lord. Give me a generous spirit and a thankful heart.
This reflection was written by Mark Woods, Bible Society’s Editor
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