Ezra 6:22, "And kept the feast of unleavened bread seven days with joy: for the LORD had made them joyful, and turned the heart of the king of Assyria unto them, to strengthen their hands in the work of the house of God, the God of Israel." 

This morning, there is still a God that is the One and only sovereign ruler of this universe. He does whatsoever He pleases and none can stay His hand or say, "What doest thou?" The strongest men physically, mentally, or financially are still weak and worthless in the sight of the Lord of heaven and earth. When we think of natural strength, a king is generally at the top of the list as a lion is thought of at the top of the list of the beasts of the field. However, even the kings of the earth run in fear of the Great King and His kingdom. His ways are sure, and they forever stand as He has designed them. 

In this account, the children of Israel are in a time of great happiness for the renewed favour of the Lord upon them. He had delivered them home again from captivity, and they once again delighted in the law of the Lord. The customs, feasts, and celebrations were resumed, and they had joy that the Lord had turned the heart of the king. Today, our prayer should be the same. We need to pray that the Lord would turn the heart of the kings of the earth.   

While reading some church history last night, the pattern that emerged over and over was that certain kings were lenient to the church of God and others persecuted them. One of our faithful forefathers (Tyndale) was burned at the stake by the leaders in power and prayed as the flames took his life, "Lord, open the eyes of the king of England." Even though his life would not receive the blessing, he still prayed for that for those that came after. In the not too distant future from that event, the Lord opened the eyes of the king of England to a certain degree that we are still blessed with today. The Lord's written word was translated into English by direct order of the king of England.   

While this man was not a member of the church (and albeit history records not all that just), this decree still benefits us today. The Lord turned his heart enough to bless His people with His word. Has anything changed today? Are men any more able to withstand the hand of God? In answer to the second question, man is still no more able to reply against God. However, I am afraid that we lack more today in our prayers and supplications than our fathers of old. They suffered more than we have, and as a result, they were more diligent in their supplications. The Lord has called us the salt of the earth. May we never lose our savour, and always pray that He guide us and keep us. Who knows but that He may turn the heart of our rulers for our benefit and ultimately for His glory?

In Hope,

Bro Philip