1 Timothy 2:1-4 (NIV) says, "I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone--for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth."
When I think of King Cyrus in the Bible, I think of a noble king—one who didn’t know God as the Jewish people did, yet was used by God in a profound and history-shaping way. That always catches my attention.Cyrus, the king of Persia, wasn’t raised under the Law of Moses. He didn’t grow up in a culture shaped by the prophets or the psalms. But that didn’t stop God from calling him by name and choosing him for a divine assignment.In
Isaiah 45:1 (NKJV),
God says something startling:
“Thus says the Lord to His anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have held—to subdue nations before him…”
God refers to Cyrus—a Gentile king—as
“His anointed.”
That’s astonishing! Not because God was confused about Cyrus’ spiritual credentials, but because it reveals a truth we often forget: God can use anyone. Even someone who doesn’t know Him the way we think they should.Isaiah goes on to record the Lord saying to Cyrus in
Isaiah 45:4-5 (NIV):“I summon you by name and bestow on you a title of honor, though you do not acknowledge me. I am the Lord, and there is no other; apart from me there is no God. I will strengthen you, though you have not acknowledged me…”
Here was a man, chosen by God to help restore Israel, who didn’t even acknowledge God in a personal way. Yet God stirred his heart. And King Cyrus responded. He not only permitted the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem but provided the resources to rebuild the temple. (Ezra 1:1-2).I think of this often in today’s world, especially when I see people—Christians included—quick to tear down public figures, politicians, and leaders based solely on their faults and failures. Some will say,
“God would never use that person! Look at their past. Look at their lifestyle. Look at their pride, their tweets, their history.”
But if God could use King Cyrus—an unbelieving king of a pagan nation—to fulfill His will for Israel, what makes us so certain He can’t use a modern-day leader with flaws? This is where we must remember the wisdom of the Apostle Paul. Writing to Timothy in a time of corrupt Roman rule, he said in
1 Timothy 2:1-2 (NLT): “I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.”
We are instructed—not suggested—to pray for all those in authority. Why? So we may live in peace, and so that godliness can flourish. Paul didn’t say to only pray for leaders who share your values or faith. He said to pray for all of them.So instead of judging who is “qualified” in our eyes for God to use, let’s step back and marvel at how often God surprises us. He has a long history of using the unexpected. A stammering Moses. A shepherd boy named David. A persecutor named Saul, who became Paul. A pagan king named Cyrus.
None of them were perfect. Yet God used each of them to do mighty things.In our culture today, people are quick to label others and slow to pray for them. But what if we stopped tearing people down and instead asked God to do what only He can—stir hearts, guide minds, open eyes, and lead even the most unlikely people into His plans?
That’s what He did with Cyrus. And that’s what He can still do today. Let’s remember: God is sovereign. He sees the bigger picture. We don’t always understand His choices, but we can trust His wisdom. And while we may not be able to change the hearts of those in power, we are called to do something powerful: pray. Because who knows? The person you least expect may be the very one God has chosen to accomplish something world-changing.
Psalms 2:8 (NIV) "Ask of me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession."
In His love,
Pastor Tim Burt
