God called Cyrus, the Persian king, to be his servant even before he was born, even naming him in prophecy. Cyrus would not know God, but God would raise him up to destroy the power of Babylon, to set Israel free from the exile as he had promised, and to let all nations know that he is the only God, the Creator and Redeemer. He sets the course of history. God used wicked Babylon and a polytheist Cyrus as his instrument to punish and save his people. God is the sovereign Lord, and no one can question or reject his sovereign way of working for his righteous purpose. God is the LORD and there is no other. Idols cannot save, but those who trust in God will experience everlasting salvation and never be put to shame.

God is the Creator of the heavens and the earth; he made them for a purpose. He reveals his truth to his people so that not only his people but all people on earth may turn to him and be saved until every knee will bow down and every tongue will confess that he is the Lord through the gospel of his Son, Jesus Christ. This is God's desire for all mankind.


Application: Sovereign Lord, you are the Creator and Redeemer. Thank you for cleansing me by the blood of Jesus and calling me to serve your world mission purpose. Please use me to turn the hearts of others to you through the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.
One Word: "Turn to me and be saved."