An Unlikely Bearer of God's Good Tidings

 Isaiah

Isaiah 45:1-7 is the First Reading appointed for the 21st Sunday after Pentecost in the Year of Matthew.  At first glance it seems to be an oracle addressed to Cyrus alone, but on further reflection it emerges as a proclamation of God's power to free God's people and even create all things.  The preacher's task will be to make this proclamation as well.

(The following questions are best used in conjunction with other fine sets of questions available to exegetes.  These particular questions have been formulated to bring to light the way the Word functions in the text, a central concern of Law and Gospel preachers.  For more on this method and on Law and Gospel preaching in general, see my brief guide, Afflicting the Comfortable, Comforting the Afflicted, available from wipfandstock.com or amazon.)

1.  How does the Word function in the text?  The Word is addressing God's 'anointed one,' Cyrus, telling him of all that God has planned to do through him.  God is also being clear that Cyrus is not doing these things on his own strength, but any victory, any success, is due to God alone.  This is, in some sense, a Gospel function, announcing God's good plans for God's people, and announcing that God can and will work through all people.

2.  How is the Word not functioning in the text?  The Law is not really present here, but in the statements, "I am the Lord, and there is no other," is the implication that one should not consider any other gods worthy of worship.

3.  With whom are you identifying in the text?  We should always identify with those to whom the Word is addressed, and so in this case, that is Cyrus.  Though in many ways, like Cyrus, we too "do not know God", are called to be used by God for good.  

4.  What, if any call to obedience, is there in this text?  There is an implicit call to obedience here.  Because God is the Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer, we are called to be used by God for good.

5.  What Law/Gospel couplet is suggested by this text?  Since the Law is not much present here, we shall have to invent several couplets.  Here are some ideas:  unbelief/faith; no calling/divine calling.

 6.  Exegetical work:  Many scholars have noted the presence of "the Cyrus cylinder," a clay cylinder discovered in Babylon in 1879.  (See notes in the Lutheran Study Bible, p. 1169)  On this cylinder is the record of Cyrus' victory over the Babylonians and his freeing of those enslaved there.  Claus Westermann, in his commentary, notes the surprising conclusion Cyrus reaches, reflecting on his victory.  "On [the Cyrus cylinder] Cyrus describes how he captured Babylon without the striking of a single blow, and gives the credit to - of all the gods - the Babylonian god Marduk, the 'lord of the gods,' who was enraged at the misrule of the last of the kings of Babylon, and then took action out of pity for the oppressed." (The OT Library, Isaiah 40-66, p.158).  Abraham Heschel, also writes about the surprising choice that Cyrus is:  "It is the paradox of the human situation that those who do not even know God are chosen by Him to be instruments in enabling men to know God."  (The Prophets, p. 154).  Westermann asks a pregnant question as a result of God's choice of Cyrus:  "For, if God's actions reach so far beyond his chosen people...where can it all end?" (Westermann, p.162),

7.  Consider the insights of the pioneers of the New Homiletic?  Following Eugene Lowry's advice, the preacher might ask, how in this sermon will I move listeners from disequilibrium to equilibrium?  Do I consider the sense of call, the sense of what sort of people God can use, how 'worthy' one must be in order to be used by God?  All are good questions.

Blessings on your proclamation!