Turn to Me

Isaiah 43-45; 1 Peter 4

“This is what the Lord says to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I take hold of to subdue nations before him…I summon you by name…Turn to me and be saved, all you ends of the earth; for I am God and there is no other,…Before me every knee will bow; by me every tongue will swear.”

Isaiah 45:1, 4, 22, 23

God’s call on Cyrus’ life to be instrumental in the return of Judah from captivity and in the rebuilding of the temple is astounding, even for us today who understand that God’s salvation plan has always been for all nations. We easily label other cultures and leaders as either “good” or “bad” thus limiting how we perceive God can use them. God’s sovereign plans go beyond our understanding and require humility on our part.

Will we bow on our knees before the Lord now, and turn our lives to his ways and our words to his glory?

God is reaching out to all nations and offering salvation, healing, and a future, if they/we will turn to him. As we pray for leaders and those in authority, we remember Cyrus who was used in God’s purposes without realizing it.

“Lord God, you are sovereign and your kingdom reigns over all. Be glorified in our nation and cause our leaders to turn their hearts to you, for your glory.”