SWHW Two Year Bible Reading Plan: February, Year 2预览

Top Takeaway From Audra Haney:

King Uzziah was given the kingdom of Judah at a tender age of 16. Can you imagine the weight of that? At that age, most of us were probably thinking about a driver’s license or prom. 

However, King Uzziah’s name meant, “Yahweh is my strength.” With God as his source of strength and Zachariah as a trusted advisor, Uzziah ruled with great wisdom and honored God. He feared the Lord and followed all of His ways. As a direct result, he was prosperous and victorious against his enemies. 

There is nothing wrong with confidence if we know that God and His unwavering faithfulness is our strength. We can stand tall knowing the Father behind us is mighty. 

But, we find ourselves on dangerous ground when we forget our Source.

Uzziah reigned for 52 years, and for most of that time, his humble leadership was a blessing to the people- until Zachariah died. With this gaping hole of accountability, Uzziah quickly forgot that God was his ultimate source and started to worship his own power. He forgot the reason for his past victories. 

He started doing things his own way instead of God’s way. 

As a king and follower of the Lord, Uzziah would have been very familiar with temple ceremonies. He would have known that burning incense was a responsibility strictly reserved for the priests. Therefore, his actions were prideful, blatant, and obstinate.

Even in an attempt to look holy, we can arrogantly ignore God’s clear boundaries. When we do, the consequences are dire.

“They confronted King Uzziah and said, ‘It is not right for you, Uzziah, to burn incense to the Lord. That is for the priests, the descendants of Aaron, who have been consecrated to burn incense. Leave the sanctuary, for you have been unfaithful; and you will not be honored by the Lord God.’

Uzziah, who had a censer in his hand ready to burn incense, became angry. While he was raging at the priests in their presence before the incense altar in the Lord’s temple, leprosy broke out on his forehead.” 2 Chronicles 26:18-19 

Uzziah’s pride led him to disease and isolation. He was banned from social interaction and the temple until the day he died. It was a sad ending for a man with such a strong start.

Guard your heart. Your past obedience and faithfulness doesn’t guarantee a posture of humility for the future. Stay faithful to the Lord, always keep wise counsel, and seek strong accountability. And, always remember the source of your strength.

Father, always remind us of our Source. You alone are the source of our strength. We will be confident in You alone. We will be faithful to remember how the victories of our past have been won. Thank You for always being so faithful to us.  Amen.