Contemplative Bible Reading

Isaiah 10:8 (New International Version 2011)

‘Are not my commanders all kings?’ he (God) says.

The prophet Isaiah is relaying words from God. He has been writing about how God employs earthly kings and kingdoms to accomplish His intentions. The verses preceding the one above speak of Assyria. God used Assyria to punish His own rebellious people. The Assyrians, however, went too far. They assumed that their military victories were their own and did not acknowledge God’s role.

Then comes the verse given above.

We don’t have many “kings” in the 21st century. We have lots of presidents and prime ministers and just plain old fashioned dictators (president for life, you know – one man, one vote, once, then a suspension of elections). I could write on and on about the leaders of nations.

Instead, let’s look at me – a husband, a father, a neighbor, an acquaintance. I don’t know why verse 8 cannot be extended to something like:

Are not my captains all husbands (fathers, neighbors, acquaintances, you pick the role)? he (God) says.

• Do I acknowledge the role that God has in my life?
• Do I realize that God employs me to change the lives of others?
• Do I accomplish God’s will with the attitude of a humble servant?
• Am I more like the Assyrians and tout my influence as a result of my own wonderful abilities?

God, let my realize that you created and enabled me and am using me daily for your glory. And it’s not the other way around.