“But can the ax boast greater power than the person who uses it?  Is the saw greater than the person who saws? Can a rod strike unless a hand moves it? Can a wooden cane walk by itself?”

Isaiah 10:1

God used the king of Assyria to accomplish his purposes, executing divine judgment upon Israel. But the king didn’t recognize that he was being used by the Lord. Instead, he boasted of his power and accomplishments, as if he had done them himself. Thus God judged the arrogance of the king of Assyria, asking if the ax, saw, rod, and cane are greater than those who use them. The answers, of course, are “No. No. No. No.”

Sometimes I can be like the king of Assyria. I can let my pride in my accomplishments overwhelm my gratitude to God for working in me. I can think and act as if I am doing great things, rather than realizing that whatever I might accomplish is only by God’s grace and power. I need to remember, as Paul wrote to the Philippians, “For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength” (Phil. 4:13).

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION: Do you ever think about yourself as the king of Assyria thought about himself? When? What helps you to remember God’s work in and through you?

PRAYER: No, Lord, the ax, saw, rod, and cane are not greater than those who use them. Nor am I greater than you, the one who created me, saved me, gifted me, and continually empowers me for your work. Forgive me, Gracious Lord, for those times when I take undue pride in my accomplishments, neglecting to give you the credit and gratitude you deserve.

Help me, Lord, to live each day in consistent reliance upon you. May I be available to you at all times, so that you might use me for your purposes. And when this happens, may I give you the glory, delighting in the privilege and joy of being your tool. Amen.