Stir our hearts LORD
By Pastor Kelly Froese
New Life Church, Kindersley
“Stirred” by definition:
move a spoon or other implement around in (like hot chocolate mix in liquid) in order to mix it thoroughly.
move or cause to move slightly.
I was reading the Book of Ezra (in the Bible) and, as is often the case, there was something that caught my attention. The more I read the more my heart was ‘stirred’.
Ezra 1:1 (NLT)
“In the first year of King Cyrus of Persia, the LORD fulfilled the prophecy he had given through Jeremiah. He stirred the heart of Cyrus to put this proclamation in writing and to send it throughout his kingdom:”
Everything that follows in the book of Ezra is the result of what is stated in this one phrase: “[the LORD] stirred the heart of Cyrus”. Just to be clear, this stirring is definition #2 above.
It is just one short, simple statement, but it is the genesis of something huge!
One, it gives credit to the LORD for what was all about to take place.
Two, it reminds us that the LORD is sovereign over all earthly kings or kingdoms.
Three, it reminds us that blessings and the will of God can be accomplished from unexpected places, in unexpected ways, and in unexpected circumstances.
Four, it reminds us that the LORD never forgets His people.
Five, it confirms the life changing result that occur when the LORD stirs our hearts.
“The LORD stirred the heart of Cyrus”, and as a result, Cyrus made a proclamation, and he put it in writing. The proclamation was that the Jews in exile could return to Jerusalem and rebuild. The proclamation included provision and temple items to be returned to them so they could rebuild and worship. The proclamation was followed up by edicts in support of this and more provisions were given. As you read Ezra and realize how many people were affected by this ‘stirring’ it is incredible. Included is a detailed and lengthy list of family names and the numbers of other family associated with each. The lives of all these people suddenly changed. It meant a relocation of a mass of people to return to their homeland and start rebuilding the ruins left behind from war. It was a time of great emotion for all of them. Ezra goes on and on about all that transpired because of this one statement: “the LORD stirred the heart of Cyrus”.
This brings me to Christmas. Christians are celebrating the birth of Jesus and the gift to the world that he was. He is the resurrected Saviour and Redeemer who died for the sins of mankind and all who repent and put faith in Him will be washed clean of their sin and receive everlasting life. We put emphasis on the birth of Jesus because we know how significant this gift from God was. My hope and prayers are that, even if we recite famous Christmas poetry such as “not a creature is stirring not even a mouse”, you find that the LORD is stirring your heart as you remember God’s love demonstrated by a baby in a manger. A Saviour has been born! The LORD stirred my heart one specific day, and it changed my heart and my life, and I have never looked back. Stir our hearts LORD.
Merry Christmas!