Ezra 1-2. We live in spiritual exile. Because of our sin, we are experiencing times of trouble and tribulation. However, when God decrees it, that will all change in an instant. We will be sent home to a place prepared by Christ where there will be no more crying and dying. We see pictures of this in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. The people of God live in Babylonian exile and have been for 70 years because of personal and corporate sin. However, God promised he would return his people to return.

Jeremiah wrote, "Then after seventy years are completed, I will punish the king of Babylon and that nation." (Jeremiah 25:12) Cyrus, King of Persia, defeated Babylon in 536 BC and allowed the Jews to return to Jerusalem. God stirred Cyrus and the Jews headed home. Cyrus decreed that the Jews were to restore the temple, the people, the walls, and the city.

In this episode, Dr. Michael Wright describes the events leading up to the return. Then he shows how our great sovereign God does his will via any vessel he chooses. Knowing that God is in control can bring us great comfort, no matter the circumstances we live in today. We will also learn that God's word is alive and powerful to stir hearts, even our enemies, to perform his will regardless of who is the king.

What a comfort to know that God is at work always in us and around us and, sometimes, despite us. His plans for the ages cannot be thwarted. We can trust the Lord.

Gospel in Real Life can be found on every major platform such as Apple Podcasts and Spotify. For more information or to give online to Gospel in Real Life, go to gospelinreallife.org. Dr. Wright takes zero salary but uses all gifts to professionally publish the blog and podcast. You may prefer to send a check made to Gospel in Real Life. Use 813 Gean Trail, Keller, Texas 76248. All gifts are tax deductible. Thank you!

To reach out to Dr. Michael Wright via email: michael@gospelinreallife.org