Bible Passage: “In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, in order to fulfill the word of the Lord spoken by Jeremiah, the Lord moved the heart of Cyrus king of Persia to make a proclamation throughout his realm and also to put it in writing…” (Ezra 1:1)
Scripture Reading: Ezra 1:1-11
You’ve probably heard the phrase “hindsight is 20/20.”
The idea is that, after the fact, it is easier to see clearly what did or should have happened. With the addition of the experience and wisdom gained from the situation, it’s far simpler to look back and evaluate our actions and words.
As believers in Jesus, we can look behind us and see the hand of God at work in our lives or the world around us. If we’re honest, we perhaps didn’t know it was God, but it is a boon to our faith to remind ourselves that God is at work even when we don’t see Him in the moment or understand what is happening.
While we don’t necessarily know at the time that it was God moving in the situations we face, we do know that God is moving in the history of humanity to continue His plan of redemption.
That’s the importance of the opening verse in the Book of Ezra.
Ezra opens with a reminder that God is at work behind the scenes. The first words are a solid reminder that God is moving and is not still or silent.
God is the first mover in the events recorded in Ezra, and that recognition sets the tone for the entire reading of the book. God is there, behind the scenes, making events track according to His plan of redemption.
This wasn’t just about a good turn of events for the people of Israel. This was God keeping His word and moving in unexpected ways to do so—using the words and power of a foreign ruler to bring the exiled children of Israel back to their own land, just as He had promised to do through the prophet Jeremiah (Jeremiah 29:4-14).
Men, this week, we will read about Israel’s return to her homeland by walking through the Book of Ezra. As we start this journey, it is vital that we understand God is always at work behind the scenes. He is in history and in your life. We may not be able to see it until we look behind us, but He is there. Take comfort and courage in His presence.
Prayer: God, thank You that You are the God of history and the Lord of all the events of the past in the world and my life. Thank You for the way You have worked in my life. Help me to see You working and join You in that work. Amen.
Reflection: Where have you seen God at work as you look back over your life?
Copyright © 2025 Impactus. All rights reserved.
About
