scripture Reading: Ezra 1:1-2
Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and put it also in writing, saying, Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia, The LORD God of heaven hath given me all the kingdoms of the earth; and he hath charged me to build him an house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah.

Reflections: It’s been 70 long years now since Israel went into Babylonian captivity. It seemed as if God had forgotten all about his people but in reality He had not. He stirs up the heart of Cyrus, king of the Persian kingdom, to take pragmatic measures to release His people. By this divine conviction, Cyrus stuns the people of Israel with a royal decree of freedom. The people hardly ever expected such a rare gesture from somebody who had dominion over them and had subjected them to servitude. However they will later discover that this package of surprise came through because of the time consciousness of God. God moves according to time. He does not forget the timelines He sets. He was aware He had given the timeline for the duration of stay of His people in captivity (Jeremiah 25:8-12, 29:10) and He was going to be right on time to deliver on His promise. God is indeed time conscious. Time consciousness is an important attitude to maintain. It is a sign of your faithfulness. As a child of God, you must also demonstrate time consciousness. Be right on time to any time schedule you agree to or set for yourself.

Prayer: Dear Lord, help me to be time conscious in life.

Confession: God is time conscious. I cannot be the opposite.