LESSON 16
CYRUS ANOINTED BY GOD TO DELIVER ISRAEL
ISAIAH CHAPTER 45
The Lord of the universe anointed Cyrus before he was born to rescue Israel from Babylon and set them free. The term, “His anointed” is a title of honor and in the future will refer to the coming Messiah. As Cyrus delivered Israel from Babylon, so the Messiah of Israel will free His people in a day yet coming that will lead to His Kingdom on earth. The victories of Cyrus were for the sake of Israel and Isaiah 44:4 reveals that Jehovah is a sovereign God who alone is omnipotent and omniscient. The Jehovah of Israel is seen in Isaiah 45:7 as the one who formed light and darkness. All the events of history are ultimately traceable to Jehovah, and Isaiah 45:8 is a brief hymn which anticipates the Messianic reign when salvation and justice will fill the earth.
There always have been those who question God and His right to rule the universe that He created. Isaiah 45:9-13 holds an answer for those who question God Much like a child who questions his parent. “Woe to him that strives with his maker” reveals supreme arrogance, much like the clay questioning the potter who is doing the molding. (This would make a good study for some fault finding church members who seem to be always at the bottom of troubles in their church.) Isaiah 45:14-17 reveals a time in the future when the nations will turn to the God of Israel. This is seen in 45:17 when the Lord with an everlasting salvation shall save Israel.
The Lord of the universe reaches out to all humanity in Isaiah 45:18-25, extending mercy and salvation. Here is revealed the redemptive purpose for all of mankind. In verse 18, we have a direct claim that the Lord created the heavens and the earth. Then Isaiah extends an invitation to all of mankind to turn to God and live. Isaiah 45:22 was used by the Holy Spirit to bring Charles H. Spurgeon to faith in Christ. Spurgeon, one of England’s finest pastors, was on his way to his church when a snowstorm hit London, and he could not make it to his church. He stopped at a little church whose pastor could not make it as well, so a man got up and said a few words using Isaiah 45:22. Spurgeon who was a brilliant man, never knew this uneducated man or his name, but the use of this scripture was used by the Holy Spirit to win to Christ one of the most used pastors in the history of England. The message was look to Jesus, and you will be saved. We could add the words of Matthew 11:28 “Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” In Isaiah 45:23 and Isaiah 55:11, we have the same message that God’s Word will not return void. This is the reason we teach and share the Word of God. The Word of God alone will change the hearts of men. It is the purpose of God that all men should come to a saving knowledge of Him and acknowledge our Lord Jesus Christ as sovereign and the supreme Lord of the universe. Isaiah ends chapter 45 again stating that despite all the failures of His people Israel, God will not let His people down, and they will glory in the Lord in the future