Isaiah 10:15 Is the axe to boast itself over the one who chops with it? Is the saw to exalt itself over the one who wields it? That would be like a club wielding those who lift it, or like a rod lifting him who is not wood.
How effective can a tool be if it is not directed by somebody? What good is a tool if it is laying on the ground or hanging on a nail in shop? A tool is made of separate pieces or crafted into use by a creator. A tool is forged into existence. This tool, the king of Assyria, thinks he is greater than the Creator. He thinks he is smarter than the One who made him. The king thinks he is stronger than the hand that is holding him and using him. To the king of Assyria, you are a tool.
Romans 9:20-21 On the contrary, who are you, O man, who answers back to God? The thing molded will not say to the molder, “Why did you make me like this,” will it? Or does not the potter have a right over the clay, to make from the same lump one vessel for honorable use and another for common use?
In this example, God is the potter. We the people, are molded objects made by God. What right does humanity (the pot) have to question God’s intent when it comes to our lot in life? Like it really matters what we think. A modern day translation would be, “Don’t talk back to God.”
Does humanity think they know what is best? That is what is happening in effect when we question God? We are questioning God’s intention, plan, and purpose for us.
We all have strengths and weaknesses. Yes, we have the capacity to improve and get better. But ultimately, our abilities whatever they may be are limited.
God made some of us to be honorable. The Greek work for honorable is time (tee-may). It means special, reverence, deference, expensive in cost, precious. Some people were made to be fine, ornate vases for display. They are put on a pedestal.
God made some of us for common use. The Greek word for common is atimia. Translators were being kind when they used the word “common”. Atimia means dishonor, ignominy, or disgrace. Some people were made to be toilet bowls and defecation comes their way.
Whether we are an implemented tool or a molded pot, we are not responsible for our existence. We did not create ourselves. We are all made for God’s purpose.
