After 70 years of exile in Babylon God now works to fulfil the prophecy made through Jeremiah about their return (Jeremiah 25 v12-14; 29 v10-14).

As God is Sovereign and can use whoever He pleases. Here God uses this pagan king Cyrus to see His plan of seeing His people return to Jerusalem and seeing the rebuilding of the temple take place. God stirred Cyrus up to act (v1) and do the right thing; this should really encourage us to pray to God to cause even unsaved leaders of countries to do the right thing.

Cyrus calls on the people of God to act either in being willing to go (v3) or to support those willing to go with gifts of silver, gold and animals (v4).

God’s work always needs those willing to go and serve and those who will support them practically and prayerfully. Is god calling you to go to a new area of service? Is God calling you to support those serving?

God ‘s Spirit stirred the people and He did this by first moving the leaders (v5). Pray for God’s leaders and people in Brookside to be stirred up for a new enthusiasm to serve in these days.