Ezra 1:1 - Homilies By J.a. Macdonald

The sovereignty of God.

Dualities are everywhere seen. Amongst these are things passive and active; things ruled over and things ruling. The mechanical heavens are active and rule the passive earth. In animated nature rulers and subjects are individualized; most remarkably so in the kingdom of men. Passing into the spiritual world, we still find order and rule; "principalities and powers in the heavenlies"—amongst angels of light, also amongst angels of darkness. But behind all these sovereignties and over them is the glorious sovereignty of God.

I. THE PROVIDENCE OF GOD IS ALL - CONTROLLING .

1. "The Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus."

2. By means of Cyrus God moved the Persian empire.

3. The sequel shows how cordial was the response. As the exodus from Egypt was a figure of the emancipation of the believer in Christ from the bondage of sin, so was the return from the captivity of Babylon.

II. THE PROVIDENCE OF GOD IS ALL - PERVADING .

1. He rules the world according to a grand plan.

2. The plan of Providence includes the means to be employed for the accomplishment of his purposes.

1. Learn that there is no such thing as chance.

2. Learn that providences are often retributive.