Trusting The Process (Isaiah 44:24-45:25)
Today, we’re going to explore a passage in Isaiah that showcases the astonishing ways God can fulfill His promises. Have you ever witnessed something completely unexpected happen, like a solution to a problem coming from the most unlikely source? Perhaps you’ve seen a person who seemed far from God suddenly become a vessel for His grace and power.
This is exactly what we see in Isaiah 44:24-45:25. God makes an extraordinary promise to His people: He will save them from the clutches of Babylon. But what’s truly astonishing is how He plans to do it. God chooses Cyrus, a pagan king who doesn’t know Him, to be the instrument of His people’s liberation. Imagine the surprise and wonder of hearing that their deliverer would be someone outside of their faith, someone they would never expect. This text is a powerful reminder that God’s ways are not our ways. He can use anyone and anything to accomplish His purposes.
God’s Sovereignty and Plan (Isaiah 44:24-28)
Isaiah 44:24–28 (ESV) — 24 Thus says the Lord, your Redeemer, who formed you from the womb: “I am the Lord, who made all things, who alone stretched out the heavens, who spread out the earth by myself, 25 who frustrates the signs of liars and makes fools of diviners, who turns wise men back and makes their knowledge foolish, 26 who confirms the word of his servant and fulfills the counsel of his messengers, who says of Jerusalem, ‘She shall be inhabited,’ and of the cities of Judah, ‘They shall be built, and I will raise up their ruins’; 27 who says to the deep, ‘Be dry; I will dry up your rivers’; 28 who says of Cyrus, ‘He is my shepherd, and he shall fulfill all my purpose’; saying of Jerusalem, ‘She shall be built,’ and of the temple, ‘Your foundation shall be laid.’ ”
These verses reveal God as the Creator and Redeemer, declaring His supreme authority over all creation and history. He formed us from the womb, indicating His intimate involvement in our lives from the very beginning. He stretched out the heavens and spread out the earth, showcasing His unparalleled power and authority over the universe.
In verses 25-26, God declares His control over human affairs: “...who frustrates the signs of liars and makes fools of diviners, who turns wise men back and makes their knowledge foolish, who confirms the word of his servant and fulfills the counsel of his messengers.” God’s sovereignty means He can thwart the plans of the deceitful and the proud. He can overturn human wisdom and make it appear foolish. But more importantly, He confirms and fulfills the words of His servants, His prophets. This reminds us that no matter how chaotic or uncertain our world may seem, God’s plan is unfolding exactly as He intends.
As we move to verse 28, we encounter a powerful demonstration of God’s sovereignty in history: “...who says of Cyrus, ‘He is my shepherd, and he shall fulfill all my purpose’; saying of Jerusalem, ‘She shall be built,’ and of the temple, ‘Your foundation shall be laid.’” Here, God calls Cyrus, a pagan king, His shepherd. This is astounding! Cyrus did not know God, yet God chose him to fulfill His purposes – to rebuild Jerusalem and lay the foundation of the temple. This shows that God’s plans are not hindered by human boundaries or beliefs. He can use anyone, even those outside the faith, to accomplish His will.
Let's consider a modern-day parallel. Imagine a church in despair, unsure of its future. Out of nowhere, an unexpected leader emerges – someone who doesn’t fit the traditional mold, perhaps not even sharing the community’s beliefs. Yet, through this person, the community finds hope and restoration. This is the essence of what God did with Cyrus. He used an unlikely instrument to bless His people and fulfill His promises.
So, what does this mean for us today? It means we need to trust in God’s sovereignty. When life feels chaotic, when we face uncertainty or challenges, we must remember that God is in control. He has a plan, and it is unfolding perfectly, even if we cannot see it. Just as God used Cyrus, He can use the unexpected circumstances and people in our lives for His purposes.
Take a moment to reflect on your own life. Where have you seen God’s hand at work in unexpected ways? Perhaps through a job you didn’t think you’d get, a friendship that seemed unlikely, or a situation that turned out for the better against all odds. These are moments where God’s sovereignty shines through, reminding us that He is always at work, weaving His perfect plan.
As we continue to explore Isaiah 44 and 45, keep this truth at the forefront: God is sovereign. He is the Creator, the Redeemer, and the ultimate orchestrator of history. No matter what we face, we can rest in the assurance that His plans for us are good, His purposes are sure, and His power is unmatched. Trust in His sovereignty, and watch as He uses even the most unlikely instruments to fulfill His divine will.
The Mission of Cyrus (Isaiah 45:1-7)
Isaiah 45:1–7 (ESV) — 1 Thus says the Lord to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have grasped, to subdue nations before him and to loose the belts of kings, to open doors before him that gates may not be closed: 2 “I will go before you and level the exalted places, I will break in pieces the doors of bronze and cut through the bars of iron, 3 I will give you the treasures of darkness and the hoards in secret places, that you may know that it is I, the Lord, the God of Israel, who call you by your name. 4 For the sake of my servant Jacob, and Israel my chosen, I call you by your name, I name you, though you do not know me. 5 I am the Lord, and there is no other, besides me there is no God; I equip you, though you do not know me, 6 that people may know, from the rising of the sun and from the west, that there is none besides me; I am the Lord, and there is no other. 7 I form light and create darkness; I make well-being and create calamity; I am the Lord, who does all these things.
As we continue our journey through Isaiah 44 and 45, let's turn our attention to Isaiah 45:1-7. Here, we see God’s incredible mission for Cyrus, a non-believer, chosen to be an instrument of divine purpose.
In Isaiah 45:1, the Lord says, "Thus says the Lord to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have grasped, to subdue nations before him and to loose the belts of kings, to open doors before him that gates may not be closed." It's extraordinary to think that God refers to Cyrus as His "anointed." In the original Hebrew, the term “anointed” is the same word used for “Messiah.” Cyrus, a pagan king, is being used by God as a key figure to bring about His plans. This underscores the extent of God's sovereignty—He can anoint anyone to fulfill His divine purposes, even those outside the faith.
Verse 2 continues, "I will go before you and level the exalted places, I will break in pieces the doors of bronze and cut through the bars of iron." God promises to pave the way for Cyrus, removing obstacles and ensuring his success. This assurance wasn't just for Cyrus; it's a promise for us, too. When God calls us to a task, He goes before us, clearing the path and ensuring that we can fulfill His will.
In verses 3-4, God says, "I will give you the treasures of darkness and the hoards in secret places, that you may know that it is I, the Lord, the God of Israel, who call you by your name. For the sake of my servant Jacob, and Israel my chosen, I call you by your name, I name you, though you do not know me." Here, God reveals the deeper purpose behind His choosing of Cyrus. It’s not merely for Cyrus’ glory but for the benefit of Israel, His chosen people. God is willing to use anyone—known or unknown to Him—for the good of His people and the fulfillment of His promises.
Verse 5 emphasizes God’s uniqueness and power: "I am the Lord, and there is no other, besides me there is no God; I equip you, though you do not know me." This statement of exclusivity highlights that God is the one true God, sovereign over all creation, and capable of equipping even those who do not acknowledge Him to fulfill His plans.
Finally, verses 6-7 declare, "That people may know, from the rising of the sun and from the west, that there is none besides me; I am the Lord, and there is no other. I form light and create darkness, I make well-being and create calamity, I am the Lord, who does all these things." These verses reiterate God’s absolute control over all aspects of existence. He forms light and creates darkness, makes well-being and creates calamity—all to make His presence and power known throughout the world.
Let’s bring this closer to home. Have you ever heard someone getting really excited about their favorite celebrity being a Christian? Their joy is in the hope that this person will use their influence and power to convince others to obey the truth. Perhaps then it will be easier for us to talk about Christianity to our family, our classmates, or our coworkers. I get it. It’s exciting to see that the Bible makes sense to people who are rich and powerful. But notice what God is saying here. He can work in someone who knows nothing about God. This person, like Cyrus, may not know God, but God can still use them to accomplish His purposes.
For us, the lesson is clear: God’s plans are not limited by our expectations or boundaries. He can and will use anyone and anything to bring about His will. This should encourage us to remain open and attentive to how God might be working in our lives through unexpected people and circumstances.
Reflect on this in your own life. Who are the “Cyrus” figures around you? How might God be using them to fulfill His purposes? And how can you support and recognize God’s work through these unlikely instruments? Are they pointing out your flaws, teaching you truths that you haven’t realized, or providing you with an opportunity and freedom that you haven’t previously experienced. In this case, Cyrus is the one who made it possible for Israel to return and build God’s temple. Embrace the unexpected, trust in God’s mission, and be open to the myriad ways He might be at work around you.
As we move forward, let’s carry this powerful truth with us: God’s mission is unstoppable. His plans are perfect. And He can use anyone, believer or not, to bring about His glorious purposes. Trust in His sovereignty and be attentive to the ways He is working through the unlikely "Cyrus" figures in your life.
God’s Righteousness and Salvation (Isaiah 45:8-13)
Isaiah 45:8–13 (ESV) — 8 “Shower, O heavens, from above, and let the clouds rain down righteousness; let the earth open, that salvation and righteousness may bear fruit; let the earth cause them both to sprout; I the Lord have created it. 9 “Woe to him who strives with him who formed him, a pot among earthen pots! Does the clay say to him who forms it, ‘What are you making?’ or ‘Your work has no handles’? 10 Woe to him who says to a father, ‘What are you begetting?’ or to a woman, ‘With what are you in labor?’ ” 11 Thus says the Lord, the Holy One of Israel, and the one who formed him: “Ask me of things to come; will you command me concerning my children and the work of my hands? 12 I made the earth and created man on it; it was my hands that stretched out the heavens, and I commanded all their host. 13 I have stirred him up in righteousness, and I will make all his ways level; he shall build my city and set my exiles free, not for price or reward,” says the Lord of hosts.
As we move forward in our study of Isaiah 44 and 45, let’s turn our attention to Isaiah 45:8-13. These verses highlight God's call for righteousness and His unwavering assurance of His plans.
In Isaiah 45:8, we read, "Shower, O heavens, from above, and let the clouds rain down righteousness; let the earth open, that salvation and righteousness may bear fruit; let the earth cause them both to sprout; I the Lord have created it." Here, God poetically calls for righteousness and salvation to flourish, much like rain nurturing the earth. This imagery reminds us that righteousness and salvation are not merely human efforts but divine gifts that God causes to grow in our lives and communities.
Verse 9 presents a stark warning: "Woe to him who strives with him who formed him, a pot among earthen pots! Does the clay say to him who forms it, 'What are you making?' or 'Your work has no handles'?" This verse uses the analogy of a potter and clay to illustrate the futility of questioning God’s plans. Just as clay has no right to question the potter, we, as God's creation, should trust His design and purposes for our lives. This speaks to our tendency to resist or question God's ways, especially when they don’t align with our understanding or desires.
In verses 10-11, God continues this thought: "Woe to him who says to a father, 'What are you begetting?' or to a woman, 'With what are you in labor?' Thus says the Lord, the Holy One of Israel, and the one who formed him: 'Ask me of things to come; will you command me concerning my children and the work of my hands?'" These verses reinforce the message that it is not our place to question God’s methods or timing. Instead, we are invited to trust in His wisdom and His ongoing work in our lives and the world.
Verse 12 brings us back to God's sovereignty as the Creator: "I made the earth and created man on it; it was my hands that stretched out the heavens, and I commanded all their host." This verse reiterates God’s ultimate authority over creation. He made the earth and everything in it, reminding us of His power and intentionality in all things.
Finally, verse 13 declares God’s purpose and assurance: "I have stirred him up in righteousness, and I will make all his ways level; he shall build my city and set my exiles free, not for price or reward," says the Lord of hosts. This prophecy about Cyrus assures us that God’s plans are righteous and will come to fruition. God raised Cyrus to fulfill His purpose of rebuilding Jerusalem and freeing the exiles, emphasizing that God’s actions are always aimed at our ultimate good and His glory.
Now, let's bring these truths into our own lives. First, we must recognize that righteousness and salvation come from God. Just as rain causes growth, God’s righteousness nurtures our spirits and leads to salvation. We are called to open our hearts to His righteousness and allow it to bear fruit in our lives. As Cyrus provided the fertile ground for Israel to see God’s glory and repent of their sins, so God has provided Christ and the fulfillment of Christ calls us to grow and produce fruit of the Spirit in our own lives.
Second, we need to resist the urge to question God’s plans. It’s natural to feel uncertain or confused about God’s methods, especially when life doesn’t go as we expect. However, like clay in the potter’s hands, we must trust that God is shaping us according to His perfect design. This trust in God's plan includes embracing our circumstances, even when they are challenging, and believing that God is working everything for our good. Judah is about to suffer greatly and go through a period of exile, but God can work that for their good. He can bring them out of that and provide the ultimate blessing in Christ. That’s what he has planned.
Finally, we must hold onto the assurance that God’s purposes are righteous and will be fulfilled. Just as He stirred Cyrus to rebuild and restore, God is at work in our lives and in the world, bringing about His redemptive plans. He is in complete control of all things. This means we can live with confidence and hope, knowing that God’s righteousness will ultimately prevail.
Reflect on these truths in your own life. How can you open your heart to God's righteousness and let it bear fruit? In what areas do you need to trust God’s plan and resist questioning His methods? How can you find peace in God’s sovereignty and hold onto the assurance of His righteous purposes? Let these reflections guide you as you seek to live out God’s call for righteousness and salvation.
As we continue to explore Isaiah 44 and 45, keep these points in mind: God's righteousness is like rain that nurtures our souls, we are called to trust His plans without questioning, and we can rest in His sovereignty and assured purposes. Allow these truths to transform your perspective and strengthen your faith in God's perfect plan.
The Universal Call to Salvation (Isaiah 45:14-25)
Isaiah 45:14 (ESV) — 14 Thus says the Lord: “The wealth of Egypt and the merchandise of Cush, and the Sabeans, men of stature, shall come over to you and be yours; they shall follow you; they shall come over in chains and bow down to you. They will plead with you, saying: ‘Surely God is in you, and there is no other, no god besides him.’ ”
Verses 15-17 draw a contrast between idol worshipers and God’s people: "All of them are put to shame and confounded; the makers of idols go in confusion together. But Israel is saved by the Lord with everlasting salvation; you shall not be put to shame or confounded to all eternity." This promise assures us of eternal security and salvation for those who trust in God, contrasting sharply with the shame awaiting those who rely on idols.
Isaiah 45:19–25 (ESV) — 19 I did not speak in secret, in a land of darkness; I did not say to the offspring of Jacob, ‘Seek me in vain.’ I the Lord speak the truth; I declare what is right. 20 “Assemble yourselves and come; draw near together, you survivors of the nations! They have no knowledge who carry about their wooden idols, and keep on praying to a god that cannot save. 21 Declare and present your case; let them take counsel together! Who told this long ago? Who declared it of old? Was it not I, the Lord? And there is no other god besides me, a righteous God and a Savior; there is none besides me. 22 “Turn to me and be saved, all the ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other. 23 By myself I have sworn; from my mouth has gone out in righteousness a word that shall not return: ‘To me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear allegiance.’ 24 “Only in the Lord, it shall be said of me, are righteousness and strength; to him shall come and be ashamed all who were incensed against him. 25 In the Lord all the offspring of Israel shall be justified and shall glory.”
As we continue in Isaiah 45, let's look at verses 14-25 where we see a powerful combination of God’s promises for Israel’s future and His universal call to salvation. These verses not only speak to Israel’s vindication but also extend an invitation to all nations to recognize and worship the one true God.
In Isaiah 45:14, the Lord declares, "Thus says the Lord: 'The wealth of Egypt and the merchandise of Cush, and the Sabeans, men of stature, shall come over to you and be yours; they shall follow you; they shall come over in chains and bow down to you. They will plead with you, saying: Surely God is in you, and there is no other, no god besides him.'" This verse paints a vivid picture of other nations acknowledging God’s supremacy and coming to Israel, not as conquerors but as seekers of the true God. This reflects a future where God's glory is recognized by all, and His people are honored. They pour their wealth into Israel. Again, we see this idea of God providing for his people through unlikely means. This introduction of foreign aid progresses throughout the text.
Verses 18-19 continue, "I did not speak in secret, in a land of darkness; I did not say to the offspring of Jacob, 'Seek me in vain.' I the Lord speak the truth; I declare what is right." God’s word is clear and true. He didn’t tell his people to wait on him and then let them down. He delivered. He brought them back and had them rebuild His temple. That’s who our God is.
In verses 20-25, we see the universal invitation: "Assemble yourselves and come; draw near together, you survivors of the nations! They have no knowledge who carry about their wooden idols, and keep on praying to a god that cannot save. Turn to me and be saved, all the ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other. By myself I have sworn; from my mouth has gone out in righteousness a word that shall not return: 'To me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear allegiance.' Only in the Lord, it shall be said of me, are righteousness and strength; to him shall come and be ashamed all who were incensed against him. In the Lord all the offspring of Israel shall be justified and shall glory." This is a powerful call for everyone, everywhere, to turn to God for salvation. It’s a promise that one day, all will acknowledge His lordship. This assures us that righteousness and strength are found only in the Lord, and those who trust in Him will be justified and will glory in Him.
What does this mean for us today? First, we need to embrace the hope and future God promises His people. This isn't just a distant, historic hope for Israel but a living reality for us as believers. God wants everyone everywhere to notice that he fulfilled his promise to Judah. He said it would be 70 years and it was 70 years. God's plan includes a future where His glory is recognized by all, and His people are honored. This past fulfillment should cause us to look on our future hope with confidence and encouragement. He is able to do it.
Second, we see a recognition of God’s mysterious ways. There will be times when His plans seem hidden or confusing, yet we can be assured that He is our Savior, working all things for our good. Trusting in God's mysterious nature involves embracing faith over understanding, knowing that His wisdom surpasses ours.
Thirdly, it is interesting to see that God’s invitation extends to all people, everywhere. He didn’t just want Israel. It was never just about Israel. As believers, we have a responsibility to share this message of hope and salvation with others, inviting them to turn to God and find true life in Him. That means he wants you and I along with everyone else around us.
Conclusion:
As we come to the close of our journey through Isaiah 44 and 45, we’ve seen how God uses the most unlikely instruments to fulfill His promises. We started by considering the remarkable story of Cyrus, a pagan king chosen by God to deliver His people from Babylon. This unexpected deliverance highlights God’s sovereignty and His ability to use anyone for His divine purposes.
But let’s bring this closer to home. Just as God used Cyrus, He wants to use us—each one of us—as instruments of His grace and salvation. We might feel unqualified, unlikely, or even undeserving, but God’s plans often defy our expectations. He sees potential in us that we might not see in ourselves.
Reflect on this: You are part of God’s plan to bring His message of hope and salvation to the world. Like Cyrus, you might seem like an unlikely choice, but that’s precisely why God’s power and glory shine through our lives. He uses our weaknesses, our backgrounds, and our unique stories to reach others in ways we could never imagine.
So, as we leave today, let’s embrace the unexpected roles God has for us. Let’s trust in His sovereignty, be open to His leading, and be willing to be used by Him, no matter how unlikely it may seem. Remember, the most unlikely instrument is often the most powerful tool in God’s hands. Let’s go forth, ready to be His instruments in saving mankind.