The God who stirs

Introduction

Ezra 1-6, Esther, Ezra 7-10, Nehemiah, [Malachi] (between 455 and 420 BC), Haggai/Zechariah (520 BC)

On October 12, 539 BC the Persians enter Babylon by diverting the Euphrates River.

On October 29, Cyrus triumphantly marches into Babylon, a liberator.

Cyrus immediately issues edict allowing captive peoples to return to their homelands.

The Exiles return

Sheshbazzar lead the first return to Israel in 538 BC

The Promise …the prophecy - Isaiah 43.8-19

“You are my witnesses” (43.10, Luke 24.48)

“Who makes a way in the sea” (43.16-18)

The Exodus from Egypt.

They were exiles there.

Foreign land, held against will, needed deliverance

Pharoah needed to be defeated

“I am doing a new thing… its about to spring up” (43.19)

Isaiah 45:1 “Thus says the Lord to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have grasped, to subdue nations before him and to loose the belts of kings, to open doors before him that gates may not be closed:”

Israel is exiled in Babylon. (Imagine since the 1950’s)

Foreign land, held against will, needed deliverance

Babylon needed to be defeated

Christians are exiles.

Hebrews 11:13 “These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth.”

1 Peter 2:11 “Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul.”

Foreign land, here against will, need deliverance

Satan needed to be defeated

Message

Cyrus issues a proclamation for Israel to leave exile (Ezra 1.1-4).

The Cyrus Cylinder, from this time, at the British Museum records this proclamation.

Considered, a “declaration of human rights”

Israel leaves Babylon as it left Egypt (Ezra 1.5-11).

Ezra 1.6

Exodus 12:35–36 “The people of Israel had also done as Moses told them, for they had asked the Egyptians for silver and gold jewelry and for clothing. And the Lord had given the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they let them have what they asked. Thus they plundered the Egyptians.”

Those who did not love their present life left it behind (Ezra 2).

The restoration of Abraham’s seed, fulfillment of God’s promises - chapter 2.

What is your identity? Who are you?

Educated? Successful? Respected?

Found a connection with your neighbors? Well established in this economy?

Many Jews remained in Babylon as wealthy/successful members of society.

Ezra 2 identifies everyone by their connection and role within God’s people, Abraham’s seed.

This identity is critical to remember.

They are returning to a land where they are minorities.

Surrounded by pagans, who are the people of God?

Conclusion

God is on the move, stirs, awakens (Ezra 1.1).

“The Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus”

He orchestrated history to bring a king who would return exiles.

Cyrus’ evil decisions, as when he murdered competitors, served God’s plans.

To us, “I am doing a new thing. … it is about to spring up”

God is on the move in your life (Ezra 1.5).

He orchestrates the circumstances of your life to bring you to him.

The message of his Son. Your unique personality meshed with life’s events.

Does your heart over stir?

“I shouldn’t be doing this.”

“I’m following my feelings and desires, not God.”

“I need to talk to this person about Jesus.”

“I need to forgive.”

“I need to pray and study.”

“I need to stop watching and listening to filth.”

God is on the move in your life.

Acts 7:51 ““You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit. As your fathers did, so do you.”

Ephesians 4:30 “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.”

Revelation 2:7 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.’”

God is preparing for the conclusion of the final exodus.

God is going to issue his decree.

Jesus is going to lead us out of this land.

The enemy and his people defeated.

Be ready.