Ezra Chapter 1: 1-2

Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and put it also in writing, saying,
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.

This chapter is something different. It’s talking about someone who is not even a Israelite or a king of Israel. It’s about King Cyrus of Persia, who made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom about which God had stirred up in his spirit regarding building the house of Lord in Jerusalem. This part is interesting. Instead of ignoring the thing which God stirred up, he obeyed and made a proclamation and he asked for who is there to go. He called among his people asking who shall go up to Jerusalem and he asked for help and things which is required for building up the house for the Lord.

Sometimes God uses someone else to call out you to build his kingdom. It might surprise you. It might be some authority or government or someone who doesn’t even know God. Even your boss, manager, colleagues can bring out the best in you, which you have never known. When God wants to guide you, he will guide the way which you could never imagine.

Many are called but few are chosen Matthew 22:14
In Ezra 1: 5 we read,
The proclamation was made throughout the kingdom but God raised only few spirits to go to Jerusalem to build house of the Lord. The chief of the fathers of Judah and Benjamin, the priest and the levites and few whose spirit was raised by God were ready to go. They obeyed and were ready to go to build the house for the Lord. We all are called but few only obey and follow. It takes courage to go up to build something, knowing the place you’re going to is surrounded by enemies who can kill you. Everyday we are walking this Christian life, taking up the cross. It is hard but it’s worth it. Sometimes you will have to have the courage to go to places which God will call you. Maybe the situation won’t be good but God will always be there no matter what comes.

Bieula Selvamani