Dear Ones:
It was over five hundred years between the coming of Cyrus, the King of Persia, on the historical scene, and the arrival of Timothy, the Apostle Paul’s “son in the faith.” Cyrus was a man who had not only a sense of “destiny,” but the conviction that God had intervened in history in bringing him to be where he was, with the power and authority that he had, to accomplish His purposes. Listen to his words: “Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia, ‘The Lord God of heaven hath given me all the kingdoms of the earth; and he hath charged me to build him a house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah’.” (Ezra 1:2) Here is a man of whom Isaiah wrote two hundred years before his birth: “I have raised him up in righteousness, and I will direct all his ways: he shall build my city, and he shall let go my captives, not for price nor reward, saith the Lord of hosts.” (45:13) What do we learn from this man, Cyrus? First, God is the author of history. He is sovereign and Almighty. Secondly, God uses men in His design of history. Cyrus was chosen, prepared, equipped, and given the power and authority to do the will of God. Scripture tells us that “The Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia…” (Ez. 1:1) God is the great Initiator, and His design is for the unveiling of his glory, and the consequent blessing of men. In this case, it would be in and through the nation of Israel, a nation that had spent seventy years in exile because of her rejection of the sovereign will and gracious purpose of God.
How does Timothy compare with Paul? He was certainly no ruler, nor man of “great” human resource. We even gather that though this man was a lover of Jesus Christ, possessing a most sincere faith, and knowledge of God, he had the tendency to be timid, hesitant, probably reserved…even fearful. (2 Tim. 1:7) He certainly did not have the same enormous vision of the world as Cyrus, neither did he possess the magnitude of his power and authority. BUT…Timothy resembles Cyrus in this: both men were called by God for a task, a purpose…a purpose that had it origin and realization in Christ. Both men were “equipped” for the task and purpose at hand. (Is. 45, 2 Tim. 1:6, 7) Both men were men for their particular times, fulfilling the specific purpose given to them from heaven. And both men were successful, though both faced very real foes and opposition. Lastly, both men lived and ministered on the basis of a promise. Cyrus had a mandate from God. He knew it, and he knew that all had been provided for it.. (Is. 45) Timothy had a mandate. Paul made sure that he knew it!!! “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.” (2 Tim. 4:2) He knew that God had given him the Spirit, that spiritual gifts and capacities had been given to him. Now, it was time to believe and obey. The same was true of Cyrus. Two men at two times, with two missions…but one Origin and Means…Christ.
Lord Jesus, enable us to truly trust Thee in the present time, to understand Thy purpose for our lives. Grant that we may truly grasp and understand the “calling” that Thou hast given us, and the gifts which Thou hast provided. May Thine indwelling Spirit ever stir us up to seek Thee, and strengthen us to truly believe Thee for the realization of Thy perfect will. Make the crooked places straight and the rough places smooth. In Thy name, Amen.
Love, Dad