May 4, 2023
Passage Read: Isaiah 7-10
Meditation Verse: 10:15
Thought
Much like last night, reading 1 Corinthians, here again is the same idea: Those used by God to carry out His wrath and punishment should not become proud, as though they raised themselves up to such a height that towers over other men with frightening authority. God did it for His own purposes. Whom He raises up is no different from those he is raised above; they are all men, and they are all expected to honor and glorify the Lord. If those under authority do not honor the Lord, He will punish them, as surely as He will punish those raised up, if they do not do His work as He desires. The instrument of God's discipline must not boast over Him who wields him, or even over those he is wielded.
Application
Whether I am lifted up or remain low, I am just a man, to be used of God to carry out His purposes. If He should appoint me over others, I am still no different from them: We are all required to walk in submission and obedience to the Lord, to carry out His purposes in His ways. I may have authority over others, but it is authority given by God and I'm required to use it for God's goals and in the ways God desires. I can never start to think I'm better than others just because God has entrusted me with higher authority or responsibility.