2010-03-15 - Parental Lessons from Uzziah

The Goood, the Bad, and the Godly ~ Part 7

2 Chronicles 26:1-23-27:9

He did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, just as his father Amaziah had done. (2 Chronicles 26:4)

When Uzziah was 16, he took over the throne, after his father Amaziah's untimely death. Uzziah followed in the footsteps of his father, a good king. He had a knack of wanting to please God. As long as Uzziah followed God, he prospered. He won wars, had a large and powerful army, and land full of livestock. King Uzziah had wells dug, made water towers, and weapons. Uzziah was well-known for his accomplishments.

Unfortunately, there were moments he let power get to his head. During the time of his tenure, some priests caught the king burning incense on the altar. Only priests, descendants of Aaron, were consecrated for this job. The king was told to stop and leave the sanctuary. Uzziah did not stop or leave, and immediately leprosy appeared on his body. Once a man of valor, Uzziah was struck by pride. Because of Uzziah's actions, he lived in isolation with the disease, the rest of his life. At least the king was given some dignity in death. Despite his deplorable skin condition, Uzziah was buried in the royal cemetery. His son Jotham took over the throne at the age of 25.

The instances his father and grandfather turned to the Lord as king, and the time of Uzziah's downfall, must have been experiences Jotham looked to during his own tenure on the throne. Jotham reigned for 16 years and did what was right in the Lord's sight. "So Jotham became mighty, because he prepared his ways before the LORD his God." (2 Chronicles 27:2, 6)

Lord, May we use Uzziah's errors of judgment for our own growth and spiritual development. May we not become susceptible to the ugly effects of following one's ego. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

Lisa

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