As Long As He Sought The Lord,

God Gave Him Success

Uzziah was sixteen years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem fifty-two years. His mother’s name was Jekoliah; she was from Jerusalem. He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, just as his father Amaziah had done. He sought God during the days of Zechariah, who instructed him in the fear of God. As long as he sought the Lord, God gave him success.

He went to war against the Philistines and broke down the walls of Gath, Jabneh and Ashdod. He then rebuilt towns near Ashdod and elsewhere among the Philistines. God helped him against the Philistines and against the Arabs who lived in Gur Baal and against the Meunites. The Ammonites brought tribute to Uzziah, and his fame spread as far as the border of Egypt, because he had become very powerful.

Uzziah built towers in Jerusalem at the Corner Gate, at the Valley Gate and at the angle of the wall, and he fortified them. He also built towers in the wilderness and dug many cisterns, because he had much livestock in the foothills and in the plain. He had people working his fields and vineyards in the hills and in the fertile lands, for he loved the soil.

Uzziah had a well-trained army, ready to go out by divisions according to their numbers as mustered by Jeiel the secretary and Maaseiah the officer under the direction of Hananiah, one of the royal officials. The total number of family leaders over the fighting men was 2,600. Under their command was an army of 307,500 men trained for war, a powerful force to support the king against his enemies.

2 Chronicles 26:3-15

In literature, a tragic flaw is a character trait that causes the downfall of a story’s hero. For many years Uzziah was given great success by the Lord. However when his fame started to grow, he was still helped and became stronger. However, when he was strong, his heart was lifted up, to his destruction.

Uzziah entered the temple of the Lord to burn incense on the altar, openinly defying God’s decree. Perhaps pride convinced him that God’s rules applied to everyone else, but him. When Uzziah raged against the priests who told him this was not right, the Lord struck him with leprosy, for the rest of his life.

In literature and in life, how often we see a person of good reputation fall from honor into disgrace and suffering.

The only way we can prevent the nectar of praise from becoming the poison of pride is by following the Lord with a humble heart.

The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but man is tested by the praise he receives.

Our Daily Bread – May 30, 2013