God is Sovereign Over All Things
He even uses the actions of the ungodly, while still holding them accountable
Assyria is described in the Bible as a brutal and ungodly nation. They destroyed the northern kingdom of Israel and took them into exile. And they followed that up by devastating Judah before finally being forced to withdraw.
In Isaiah 10:5–14, we find two different perspectives on the actions of Assyria. It starts by telling us that God sent Assyria to punish Israel for her sins. Assyria was an instrument of God’s judgment.
But Assyria’s brutality was not something that God endorsed. And they would face judgment themselves for what they had done.
Assyria was a brutal nation. God was not responsible for that. And, in fact, he would judge them for it. But, at the same time, he used them to punish his own people.
God is Sovereign
While we are long removed from ancient Assyria and have nothing to fear from them any longer, the principle expressed here is still relevant. God is sovereign. And he will use anyone and everyone to accomplish his sovereign purpose for humanity. Even the most ungodly leader we might be able to identify can still be used by God. Even those who totally reject God and are pursuing their own agenda.
It is generally not clear to us how God might be using them. But it is comforting to know that God is in control. And that I can trust him, even when I do not understand, or see a way out of the circumstances I find myself in.
God used the king of Assyria to punish Israel, leading to their eventual purification. And God will use the challenges we face to refine and purify us and our faith (1 Pet. 1:6–9).
Another comforting thought is that these ungodly people will be held accountable for their actions. Even though God uses the ungodly to accomplish his purpose, they are still accountable. He is not forcing them to do what they do. And so, in the end, they will have to answer to their creator, and suffer the consequences of their actions.
