Title: Real Treasure
Isaiah (111) The real treasure (Isaiah 45:1-7)
< Be the Cyrus of this age >
The text is a prophecy that conveys hope in a desperate situation. Isaiah prophesied that in the future a man named Cyrus would rule the world and Israel would be liberated with his help. As the prophecy was fulfilled, God anointed Cyrus king of Persia with power to conquer the nations (verse 1). At that time, when King Cyrus went on an expedition, many kings loosened their belts, threw off their robe, ran out and surrendered to conquer all of Asia Minor for three years without a single fight.
Also, 10 years after Cyrus became king, he also conquered Babylon, which was considered an impregnable city (verse 2). At that time Persia acquired great wealth (verse 3). Who has done it? It was not accomplished by Cyrus, but by God through Cyrus (verses 4-7). The darker the age, the more God's characters will appear. No matter how weak you may appear, if God holds you up, you can become an influential and powerful person like Cyrus. Also, no matter how difficult a problem may be, if God helps you once, it can be solved in an instant.
When the times are dark, Cyrus awaits. Now, Cyrus of prayer, Cyrus of devotion, and Cyrus of mission must come out of you. There must also be a political Cyrus and an economic Cyrus. Pray now. "God! Use me as the Cyrus of this age, and let Cyrus of this age emerge from among our children and grandchildren!”
< Real Treasure >
At that time, Cyrus did not store gold and silver treasures brought from Babylon, etc. in warehouses. When the Jewish people returned, he sent them to help rebuild the temple. Looking at this scene, we realize why God blessed Cyrus. In order to be blessed, it is important to meditate deeply on the Word and pray until your knees are worn out, but at the same time, you must be sincere and honest in matters of wealth. If I acknowledge that the treasures I have obtained are from God, God will give me more precious things that money cannot buy.
Spiritual revival and material management are closely related. How you manage and use your material determines your personality and beliefs. ‘Acquiring material things’ is usually achieved if you have talent and diligence, but ‘using material things’ varies markedly depending on your personality and beliefs. Matter can be an instrument of the devil or an instrument of an angel. A good use of a substance is a blessing, but a wrong use of it prepares a curse. No matter how difficult the environment, if you live God-centered and honest in your material life, your dream of becoming Cyrus in the dark ages will surely come true.
God is the master of history. Human life and death and the rise and fall of history are in God's hands. So give all your rights to God. A life of faith is like a change of government. The real life of faith is to change the government so that God governs what you are governing. Without such a spiritual regime change, hidden treasures cannot be mine.
God wants to give you treasure. That is why, sometimes, he gives trials first. At that time of trial, when the person I trusted leaves my side and it becomes dark before my eyes, I begin to see the real treasures I have never seen. Then you will see God and hear the voice of Jesus. From then on, I want to go to church more often, and I want to hear more, and tears flow during worship. Only then will the scales that cover the snow be removed, the spiritual world will be revealed, and the real treasure will be discovered.
In Matthew 13:44, the farmer pays a high price to buy a field to buy the treasure hidden in the field. You have to pay a high price to get such a real treasure. If you want to be blessed, be more dedicated and serve. Be prepared to risk even your life. If you want to live, you die; if you want to die, you live.
Decide now. “I will be the Cyrus of this age.” And pray. "God! Use me as Cyrus of this age! Today, holding on to the word you gave me, I pray that you may bless our family and our children so that in the end times, many precious people like Cyrus will arise among us!” With such a prayer, strive to live a God-centered life, and become blessed souls who enjoy the blessings prepared.