Isaiah 45:1-7 – Sovereign Deliverer
God is speaking of that which would be happening in a couple of hundred years in great detail. But beyond Cyrus, God is preparing the people to be thinking of a far greater Deliverer to come. He gives them an intermediate sort of prophecy in great detail to encourage them to see that He brings to pass all things. All things happen by the word of His power. And the word of His promise certainly comes true, unlike the idols. So in the first three verses here we see God bringing deliverance for His people through Cyrus.
Why would God do this? Verse 4 tells us that it is for the sake of the people of God that God brings about the destruction of nations and the rising up of other ones. Babylon is destroyed. Why? For the sake of the people of God. And for the sake of the people of God, another nation is raised up high. People of God, look at this — King Jesus rules and He brings about mighty things. God put it in Cyrus’ heart to bless the people by ending their exile and giving them the ability, humanly speaking, to rebuild God’s house. Jesus was ordering all events so that His church and kingdom were advanced. This is what He still does.
God gives deliverance for the sake of His people. But as wonderful as that is, marvelous as that is, that’s not the ultimate reason. That’s only part of something greater still which we look at in verses 5-7. What God seeks in all things is His own glory. It is God’s glory that He has as His top priority, His highest end, His highest reason, His highest goal for all things. And by His delivering His people, God glorifies Himself and shows that there is no other. In fact, in delivering His people, His Name is shown forth; His glory is displayed to the nations. He will yet show forth His glory upon you. One way or another. I ask you, which shall it be? Will He get His glory in and through you? Will He delight to hear your praise, or will He show it for you, His power and might, His justice, His holiness, His righteousness and truth? Will He get glory through you or get His glory on you?
Questions
- Why does God destroy one nation and raise up another?
- What is God’s ultimate goal?
Prayer Points
- Pray for the preaching and hearing of God’s Word tomorrow.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.