Vindication of the Lord

Isaiah 45:1–13
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This chapter deals with the overthrow of Babylon. Just as prophets, priests and kings were anointed by God to perform His special service, so Cyrus was anointed by God to perform his special service for Israel’s sake. The word “anointed” is the same term used to describe the relationship of Israel’s first two kings, Saul and David, had with God. Since Israel in exile had no king, Cyrus functioned, in a sense, as her king (vv. 1-3). Like the Messiah who would come after him, the mission of Cyrus was to free the people and to bring God’s judgment on unbelievers. Even though Cyrus enjoyed a special relationship with God and was honored by Him, he still was not a believer because he did not acknowledge the Lord as the true God (v. 4).

In Cyrus day the Lord was not universally acknowledged but eventually He will be (vv. 5-7). When the millennial kingdom is established on the earth the heavens will rain down righteousness (figuratively speaking) and God’s standards will be followed (v. 8).When someone who is created  voices disapproval to the creator’s work he risks receiving impending doom (vv. 9-13)

Cyrus was merely a tool used by God to accomplish His purpose. He was the human instrument for the conquest, but it was God who gave the victories. He served as God’s instrument for turning the direction of history at that time. Anyone who opposed Cyrus was actually arguing with God, and that was like the clay telling the potter what to do. When someone who is created voices disapproval of the creator’s work, he risks receiving a pronouncement of impending doom. God raised up Cyrus to do His specific will (v. 13), and nothing would prevent him from succeeding.

Application

God rules over both light and darkness, over peace and calamity. Both of these experiences are needed for me to grow spiritually. When good times come I need to thank God and when bad times come, don’t resist them but seek what I can learn from this refining experience to make me a better servant of God.