Unexpected People

Several weekends ago, the first reading from Isaiah (45:1, 4-6) told us about Cyrus, whom God  called to free the Jews from their 70 year Babylonian Captivity. 

The Babylonian Captivity occurred in 607 BC. When King Nebuchadnezzar conquered Jerusalem and destroyed the Temple. Then he forced the Jews to leave their homeland and live as captives in Babylon (60 miles from modern day Baghdad, Iraq).

The amazing thing is that Cyrus was not a Jew!

So God put someone completely unexpected into the lives of His people. He even called Cyrus ‘his anointed’ which means a ‘messiah’!  And in addition to freeing the captives, Cyrus also rebuilt their temple.

Think about unexpected people that God has put into your life.  Remember their stories and some specific ways that they affected you.   Make a Top Ten list of them.  If they are still alive, send them a message to say ‘Thanks’ and tell them how they impacted your life.