[Difference Makers ls] Amazed by the Lord Sample

Uzziah and Isaiah

In 2 Chronicles 26, we learn about the fall of King Uzziah who died in 739 bc when Isaiah had his vision. In 791 or 792 bc, Uzziah became king. He was only 16 and reigned for 52 years. He was actually a good king. When he sought the Lord, God gave him success. So, we know he did right for 52 years. All throughout Chronicles, and the book of Kings, God gave him success.

In 2 Chronicles 26, we see that King Uzziah had all these warriors, towers, and more. Verse 15 scares us to death: King Uzziah had catapults and weapons built to shoot arrows from the towers and corners of Jerusalem. His fame spread, and God marvelously helped him. 

But when King Uzziah became strong, he stopped saying, “Woe is me.” He started saying, “Awesome is me. I’ve got armies, I’ve got gardens, I’ve got all sorts of stuff, and I’m famous. I am the man!’ After 52 years on the throne, he declares, “I’m the man.” 

But God loves the humble. God loves the weak. Uzziah was neither. He became strong, he grew arrogant, and it led to his own destruction. Uzziah went into the temple. The kings had a role. The priests had a role. The kings did not offer incense up to the Lord; that was the priestly role. But King Uzziah strolls right into the temple and begins to offer incense to the Lord. Leprosy breaks out on his forehead. He then has to give up his throne to his son and live in a different place until he dies. 

Can I just warn you that even after 52 years, the devil can take you down? When you begin thinking you’re something, you’ll be nothing by the end of the week. I’m not saying God’s going to strike you with leprosy. What I am saying is that you should be humbled and grateful to God Almighty. 

Difference makers choose humility in the midst of success. We do not walk into the temple and act like "God got something" when he got us. We got something when we got him. Isaiah understood this. He was humble before God. 

Am I ignoring the help I received from God? Am I grateful, or am I full of pride, like Uzziah? Am I humble, like Isaiah?