Uzziah’s Downfall

Wake Up Call

One of the most competent kings God’s people ever had was a guy named Uzziah. His name means “the Lord is my strength” and as long as he kept true to his name he did well indeed.

Uzziah was one of those natural leaders who could do it all. He was a builder and restorer of ruined cities. He was a brilliant administrator. He loved the soil so the nation was well fed under him. He took back territory for God from Judah’s enemies. His military was top notch, even including Special Forces and leading edge equipment. On top of it all, he was famous and respected by the nations surrounding him.

You know the saying “pride goest before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18)? Yep, that’s what happened to Uzziah. “But when he became strong, his heart was so proud that he acted corruptly, and he was unfaithful to the Lord his God, for he entered the temple of the Lord to burn incense on the altar of incense” (2 Chronicles 26:16). Only the priests were allowed to do this. Judgment came quickly for Uzziah. God struck him with leprosy on his forehead while the priests who had rushed into the temple to stop him watched. “And King Uzziah was a leper to the day of his death” (Verse 21)/

As I read about this king I shake my head and wonder how he became so puffed up. I also wonder why God broadcast his sin for all to see clearly because it seems to me it’s rare for God to do that.

What would happen to us if God required us to wear our sins on the outside? I’d rather never let it get that far, how about you?

 

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