2 Chronicles 26:16
But after Uzziah became powerful, his pride led to his downfall. He was unfaithful to the LORD his God, and entered the temple of the LORD to burn incense on the altar of incense.
I must admit that I have never had trouble with pride. I have received so much more than I deserve that I count each moment of each day as another undeserved gift from God. Two wonderful examples of men whose hearts stayed true to the Lord all the days of their lives are Joseph and Daniel. Regrettably, there are characters in the Bible that started out as God’s heroes, but ended up as zeroes because of their pride—Saul, David, Samson, as well as many others. Sadly, we must include Uzziah.
Our modern-day church scene is littered by the wreckage of ministers who started out with humility and total commitment to the Lord, but came to destruction when they grew popular and failed to rely totally on the Lord.
As long as Uzziah sought the Lord, he was able to subdue his enemies and be God’s man in leading Judah to subdue her enemies. But somewhere along the line, he began to think that it was his own ability that brought victory. That is always the beginning of the end for anyone. His success caused him to take his eyes off of the Lord and on himself. He blew it!
I have no idea what was in Uzziah thoughts when he entered the temple to offer incense to the Lord. I do know the consequences of his action—leprosy! Failing to rely on the Lord doomed him to a life of humiliation and separation. You have to feel sorry for this man who started with such great promise, but ended with such shame—FROM PRIDE TO PITY!
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
—Pastor Cecil