History reveals that Cyrus was the king of Persia, enthroned around 559 B.C.  Amazingly, Isaiah prophesied about what Cyrus would do for God’s people even before Cyrus himself was born (about 150 years before he ascended the throne). What an awesome God. This means our Lord God of possibilities will do whatsoever He purposes in His heart.

On this note, let’s quickly pray:

The Lord who has sent His word for perform it [Jer. 1:12] shall bring to pass every prophecy and covenant He has declared/made concerning me.

God decided to use Cyrus to: (Isa. 44:21-28 & 5:1-13)

  1. Subdue nations – (vs. 1). If Cyrus needed to subdue nations in order to help God’s people, it means that there are nations to subdue.
    1. Prayer: Every nation that must be subdued before me and my destiny helper, begin to bow now in Jesus name.
  2. Open doors [make ways in order to release God’s people from Babylonian captivity which Nebuchadnezzar had brought to exile] – (“And let My exiles go free” – vs. 1, 13).
    1. Prayer: Those who need to open the doors for me to be set free, begin your work now in Jesus name. It was an angel that needed to open the prison door for Peter to come out and escape the wrath of Herod.
  3. Make rough places straight [so that the return to their homeland will be smooth] – vs. 2).
    1. Prayer: When your release comes, you will not stagger along the way of freedom.
  4. Rebuild God’s city, Jerusalem – (vs. 13)
    1. Prayer: Those who will help me rebuild ruined aspects of my life must begin to swing into action in Jesus name.
  5. Rebuild the temple of God (44:28).
    1. Prayer: Lord, everyone who must be faithful to you so that I may be free to worship you, make them faithful.

Why is God appointing Cyrus?

  • For Jacob’s sake [the Hebrews in exile] – for my sake (vs. 4)

Was this ever accomplished/fulfilled?

  • Yes, see Ezra 1:1-11. (Jeremiah says in Jer. 29:10 that God would visit His people and return them to their homes). Isaiah says Cyrus will be the instrument in the hands of God.
  • The Encyclopedia Britannica acknowledges that this took place in the year 538 BCE.
  • See also 2 Chron. 36:23
  • “Excavations at Babylon (1879 – 1882) led to the discovery of a clay barrel, known as the Cyrus Cylinder, which contained a marvelous historical confirmation of the biblical narrative. It portrays the benevolent policies of Cyrus in the following fashion: “All of their peoples I gathered together and restored to their dwelling-places”[1]

What does this story teach us about God? It is that:

  1. God is One who takes pleasure in restoring the joy of His people – opening doorways of destiny for you (Isa. 44:21-28)
  2. God is One who can open our doors of destiny using anyone He deems fit. Though Cyrus did not know God, yet He chose him to be the door of liberation and blessings for Israel and Judah. It says, “For Jacob My servant’s sake, And Israel My elect, I have even called you by your name; I have named you, though you have not known Me” (Isa. 45:4).
    1. There are people in our working places who will work to promote us, though they may not be Christians.
  3. God is limitless: He is able to anoint, empower and use the unexpected to open doors for you in life. Never limit our God of possibilities who never fails. He anointed Cyrus and gave him all the provision he would need in order to help God’s people to return home and rebuild (Isa. 45:1-3; 44:28)
  4. God is unquestionable: He chose Cyrus and Cyrus could not question God as to why he had to be the one to help the people in exile (Isa. 45:9-13)
  5. God can bless your helper to the point where he/she would never demand anything from you for being your helper of destiny: (Isa. 45:13; Psalm 110:1) You will not need to stress. No down payment or deposit will be required of you.

Prayers:

  1. Lord, because it is your pleasure to restore me, please use this month to open doors for me.
  2. For my sake, raise someone for my help this month, oh Lord
  3. Anoint and empower your chosen one with all they need to help me. Let them not lack anything
  4. Let my helper of destiny never resist your assignment for my life

Lord, I desire a breakthrough that has no stress

[1] Jackson, Wayne. “Cyrus the Great in Biblical Prophecy.” ChristianCourier.com. Access date: November 30, 2020. https://www.christiancourier.com/articles/264-cyrus-the-great-in-biblical-prophecy