Assyria was a powerful nation. They ran roughshod over anyone and everyone they wanted to. In today's first reading from Isaiah 10, we see that they had a bit of an ego problem.
"By my own power I have done it, and by my wisdom, for I am shrewd." You see, they figured they had done all of this apart from divine providence. They didn't recognize themselves as instruments. The LORD says, "Will the axe boast against him who hews with it? Will the saw exalt itself above him who wields it? As if a rod could sway him how lifts it, or a staff him who is not wood!"
There would be a price to pay for their hubris. Same for us. This a warning to always remember - and give thanks for - the mighty hand of God at work in and through us. When we think the great things we've done were accomplished because we're so great, it's time to step back and know the truth. It's really God.
Father, may we always understand that any good we accomplish is solely through your grace and power. Amen.
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