Daily EncouragementSample

The final explanation of all historical events is the sovereignty of God. Cyrus makes his proclamation and duly records it, but it is the Lord who moves his heart. “The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases” (Prov. 21:1). There is profound truth in the saying, “History is His story.” It is divine purpose which is fulfilled as world history unfolds. As Cyrus carries out his policies he is fulfilling “the word of the Lord spoken by Jeremiah.” As Herod and Pontius Pilate conspire against God’s “holy servant Jesus,” they do what his power and will have decided beforehand should happen (Acts 4:27-28). History’s pages have as a kind of watermark the phrase, “The Scripture must be fulfilled.” There is profound mystery about this view of history. From an earthly viewpoint this passage should read, “In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, he made a proclamation throughout his realm” - and it would be enough. From heaven’s viewpoint these additional words are vital: “in order to fulfil the word of the Lord spoken by Jeremiah, the Lord moved the heart of Cyrus.” In order to comprehend the mystery we must share that heavenly viewpoint, we must be “born from above.”