Two Lessons from King Uzziah to Pursue – and Avoid

Scripture: 2 Chronicles 26:5, NIV

“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.”

We learn two great lessons from the life of King Uzziah, who reigned in Judah for a long period of time. We want to pursue the first lesson, but avoid the second lesson like the plague. This is particularly true if we practice KingdomNomics and are in a leadership position.

It is written, “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.” (2 Chronicles 26:4–5, NIV)

This is the formula for success. Success comes from the Lord. God gave Uzziah success in response for his having sought the Lord.

“The Ammonites brought tribute to Uzziah, and his fame spread as far as the border of Egypt, because he had become very powerful.” (2 Chronicles 26:8, NIV)

“In Jerusalem he made devices invented for use on the towers and on the corner defenses so that soldiers could shoot arrows and hurl large stones from the walls. His fame spread far and wide, for he was greatly helped until he became powerful.” (2 Chronicles 26:15, NIV)

Then something terrible happened. Uzziah became proud, and his pride caused him to violate the law.

“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.” (2 Chronicles 26:16, NIV)

Only the sons of Aaron – the priests – were to do this ceremonial act of worship. Because of this transgression God struck Uzziah with leprosy.

“King Uzziah had leprosy until the day he died. He lived in a separate house—leprous, and banned from the temple of the Lord. Jotham his son had charge of the palace and governed the people of the land.” (2 Chronicles 26:21, NIV)

What a price to pay! Uzziah started out well, but he forfeited the success God had given him. His kingship was given over to his son because of Uzziah’s pride.

It’s good to remember that we are all the same at the foot of the cross. We have all sinned, and we all need the same remedy: Jesus Christ.

Today, ask yourself:

Am I risking God’s blessing because I am following my own way instead of God’s way?