God moved the heart of Cyrus to make the proclamation and together with that he moved the heart of the Jews who were willing to return and rebuild the temple. Though these Jews were in Babylon they believed that the Lord will intervene. They had a great desire to return to their homeland and rebuild the temple.
The Jews who had settled in Babylon, had started to live their life as exiles and did not want to return to a place where they thought was no security and they would have to set up everything right from the beginning. They would have thought that it would be a tedious and tiresome journey back to set up their lives starting from scratch. Their comfort, material possession and security in Babylon led them to think that it was not worth sacrificing everything to build the temple that was completely destroyed. The task was too big for them to imagine.
They who returned remembered how the Lord had led their ancestors through times of trials and tribulations and given them victory over the enemies. They believed that the Lord who had moved the heart of Cyrus the King will lead them through to rebuild the temple at Jerusalem. They were protected all throughout their exile period. If God can move the heart of Cyrus and touch their hearts, it was his leading and the temple can be rebuilt with God’s help. God was calling them to do the service that was required then. They were ready to be part of God’s plan
The people who give ear to God’s call experience changes in their attitudes, desires and beliefs. They change themselves to be in line with what God wants them to do and hence follow His will. There is a desire in them o follow God more closely and hence they adapt to the new lifestyle and mission assigned to them.
True disciples heed to God’s voice and follow the plan God has assigned to them. They follow in obedience without being complacent to their circumstances and they carry the burdens of their Master and do what they can in fulfilling the purpose.