O Brave One… Whose Hand Are You Holding?
October 8th, 2007 | Michael Q. Pink
“Thus says the LORD to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have held, to subdue nations before him; (Isa 45:1) Cyrus was the only Gentile king to ever be hailed by the Jews as a messiah, a divinely appointed king. Cyrus conquered the Medes, united the two Persian empires, then went on to conquer most of Asia and established the largest, most powerful world empire ever known by that time in history.
And yet, Isaiah describes him like a child being led by a father by the hand. The mightiest man alive on the planet, the most feared leader of the world, a man who himself went into battle and fought hand to hand, was at one time led like a child to Babylon to capture that city. If ever a man had reason to rely on himself… If ever a man had reason to have confidence in his own strength, skill, power or wealth, it would have been Cyrus, yet God held his right hand and led him through the open gates of the strongest fortress city ever built.
At least for a season, Cyrus whose name means “the sun”, a metaphor for the “enlightened one”, was apparently willing to be led like a child into his greatest victory, which served the purpose of God to release the children of Israel from Babylon. So my question today is: whose hand are you holding? Are you trusting in your sales ability or marketing prowess? How about your business acumen? While these things have a place, they are no match for reaching out to the Father’s outstretched hand and letting him lead you to subdue the nations or the markets before you. Are you enlightened enough to allow the Father to take your hand and lead you into hostile territory, trusting Him for the outcome?
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October 8th, 2007 at 8:13 am
May I always depend on God and trust in Him. I might not like the situation, ie Joseph, or I may receive persecution as Paul did, but I need to continue to trust and wait upon the Lord. Most times, man’s way or the results are not God’s way says the Lord.
Trust and obey, for there is not other way, to be happy in Jesus. Or to have true joy and peace in God.
October 8th, 2007 at 9:27 am
Hey Mike,
Thank you for your incredible insights concerning Cyrus, the Gentile King who trusted in the LORD.
It kind of reminds of the Roman Centurion who was applauded by Jesus for his remarkable trust in the LORD concerning his dying servant.
It’s a gentle reminder to us all - on who we are best served to SERVE!
Let the LORD on high be our ever-increasing confidence and strength.
“For when I am weak, then I am strong!”
and …
“In Christ I can do all things”
Humility and the resultant empowerment by the LORD will accomplish
great things in our lives - as He gets the GLORY.
Thanks again for the encouragement!
Cheers!
October 8th, 2007 at 9:57 am
Right on the head again Michael Pink! Also, thanks for repeating one of my “blessed assurance” hymns Kern! Ah, to trust and obey, for there is NO other way. Father, lead us all away from ourselves and closer to YOU. You, indeed, are my hiding place.
In HIM singing hymns of joy!
October 8th, 2007 at 11:12 am
It is always the enemy’s plan to have us think of maturity as not needing to have to bother God with our attention. The enemy wants us to rather derive our security from our bank account. I for one would rather hold God’s hand, by his grace, than hold a valueless promissory note from the federal reserve. Somehow in the speed of the day this clear choice can be blurred. Isn’t that crazy?
October 8th, 2007 at 2:21 pm
Good word… I have really enjoyed this one… Thank you
October 8th, 2007 at 4:34 pm
Thanks Michael,
I needed to hear this today. Who is holding my hand. I can’t get far if I hold my own hand. I need to reach out in the darkness and grab the faithful hand of my Father and let Him lead me through the difficult spots. I feel like I am far from being described as a mighty warrior. Yet, I have been called by my Redeemer to live and walk in HIS light in every aspect of my life: personal, business, family, etc.
Blessings,
Shelly
October 8th, 2007 at 8:57 pm
History suggests that Cyrus may have been Esther’s son, which would make him a Jewish king.
Bill
October 9th, 2007 at 8:20 am
Bill;
From what I read there is little basis for that, but if true, his blood line would still have been non-Jewish so wouldn’t that negate the idea of him being a Jewish king? Please explain. Thanks.
October 9th, 2007 at 9:41 am
This is a good question. I feel I need to allow Him to lead me more to the financial place and not try to lead myself. The Word says “The earth is Yahweh’s and the fulness thereof., The World and they that dwell therein”. This means He is smarter than I am therefore He will lead me in the right place of wealth.
Yahweh Bless you
Gloria