Once you finish reading STIR ME UP ask yourself: Do I need a STIR ME UP? If so, in what way (s)?
STIR is to disturb the relative and/or possibly the normal/regular position of the particles or parts according to merriam-webster.com. Yet not just particles or parts but, I like to include people. Believing all can benefit a STIR ME UP. STIR ME UP LORD so I can love more like You. STIR ME UP LORD so I won’t get angry so quickly. STIR ME UP LORD so I can improve family relationship. STIR ME UP LORD, so I can be a better steward at work or my place of worship. STIR ME UP LORD so I will stop complaining so much. Just a few examples to help us out.
A little background to understand why a “Stirred up” was needed in Ezra 1:1. Jerusalem and Judah were already taken into captivity by the King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. Not only the people but, he took their silver, gold, other treasures, flocks and herd. The Babylonians were unaware of their riches until King Hezekiah told them all they had when he received the embassy or delegation which included the king of Babylon. Scriptures says, “There was nothing he withheld to show them.” Prophet Isaiah reaction was like “What have you done?
A reminder of an old saying, “Don’t let the right hand know what the left hand is doing.” Means to use discretion-discernment about actions, disclosure of personal and sensitive information. Why? To avoid pitfalls due to jealousy, the enemy and folks wants what you have and others spread your business. Then what is the purpose of bragging? Like the encounter Hezekiah had with the Babylon delegation. The prophet said, hear the Word of the LORD. “Behold, the days come, that all that is in thine house, and that which thy fathers have laid up in store unto this day, shall be carried into Babylon: nothing shall be left, saith the LORD.” Read 2 Kings 20:12-17 & 2 Chronicles 32:27-31. A lesson for all of us. We may be excited about our possessions. But the reality is “Who really cares when so many are without?”
Understanding of The All-Knowingly God-Isaiah 46:10 “Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure.”
Therefore one of the most amazing prophecies of the Bible the LORD revealed king Cyrus’ decree to free the Jews to Isaiah one hundred fifty years before Cyrus lived. Isaiah the prophet called him by name and gave details of Cyrus’ benevolence to the Jews: 45:1“This is what the LORD said to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I take hold of to subdue nations before him. ‘I summon you by name and bestow on you a title of honor, though you do not acknowledge me. Yet God said, “I will go before thee, and make the crooked places straight: I will break in pieces the gates of brass, and cut in sunder the bars of iron:
And I will give thee the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places, that thou mayest know that I, the LORD, which call thee by thy name, am the God of Israel.” (Isaiah 45:1-3; 41:2; 42:6). God said, Cyrus is My shepherd and will accomplish all that I please” (Isaiah 44:28). Evincing/showing God’s sovereignty over all nations. In addition Cyrus was known as “Cyrus the great,” a kind ruler, a father figure, he blessed the land with peace, incurred no anger with the gods” and adding this had to be orchestrated by God. Look at God. “Cyrus was also wise.” Taken from Gotquestions.org and Bible references.
Ezra 1:1-4 correlates with Isaiah’s prophesy 150 years prior to Cyrus’ birth.’ God already knew him by name. Just like you and me. He was ordained by God to rebuild and return “God’s chosen" people to Jerusalem. Just like you and me we are ordained for the work of the LORD. Mine is to preach and teach His Word, to reach others in ways God has blessed me to do. Do you know what you are ordained for? Are you walking-living what God has for you to do? If not, this is the time to seek His face? Or to walk boldly in what God has clearly ordained you to do.
Years have passed. Babylon had already been defeated by Persia. A new king Cyrus of Persia now on the throne. Isaiah’s prophesy in “Real-time” and the titled, STIR ME UP comes from Ezra 1:1“Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the Word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia. Suggesting king Cyrus needed to be disturbed from the normal kingdom practices of a “Pagan” idol worshipper of fake gods to bring forth the prophecy of promise by the Most High God.
The king’s spirit- his heart was stirred up by God to fulfill His promise of restoration for His chosen people. The biblical context “Stirred” often refers to an arousal or awakening of emotions, actions or spiritual awareness to fulfill God’s divine purposes. In this situation positive. “Stirred is significant to understand how God interacts with His people, others, how individuals respond to divine prompting, and how emotions and actions are influenced by spiritual forces. Now the LORD stirred the spirit/heart of Cyrus king of Persia to issue a proclamation throughout his kingdom and to put it in writing to accomplish His divine plan." Question: How has the LORD stirred up your heart to fulfill His purpose?
God’s Promises: Jeremiah 29:10 “For thus saith the LORD, That after seventy years be accomplished at Babylon I will visit you, and perform my good Word toward you, in causing you to return to this place.” Vs. 11 “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil to give you/I an expected end” of confidence, trust, hope, deliverance and success. Vs. 12 “Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you.” This means God not only listens attentively but, responds to what He has heard. Taken from the Bible Hub. Vs. 13-The LORD confirms “And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart. Vs.14 a portion, And I will be found of you, saith the LORD: and I will turn away your captivity” that includes unproductive habits, events, strongholds and real life dangerous situations. God is a very Present Help!
Earlier Ezra 1:1 was mentioned. Now portions of Ezra 1:2-11. See the correlation of Isaiah’s prophesy to Cyrus’ spirit, his heart was Stirred Up by God. Verse 2: “Saying, thus saith Cyrus king of Persia, The LORD God of heaven hath given me all the kingdoms of the earth.” Cyrus recognized God gave him all the kingdoms of the earth. Do you and I recognize our blessings from the LORD, not because of ourselves? Cyrus went on to say, “And He hath charged me to build him a house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah. Who is there among you of all his people? His God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem, which is in Judah, and build the house of the LORD God of Israel, (he is the God,) which is in Jerusalem.” Cyrus acknowledged and recognized the LORD. He wholeheartedly accepted his God-given assignment and honored God’s chosen people. LORD STIR ME UP to be like Cyrus. Praise the LORD, continue love and blessings! Neatbooks4u
