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TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

But after Uzziah became powerful, his pride led to his downfall.

Read the entire passage: 2 Chronicles 26.16-19

TODAY’S MESSAGE

As a new king, Uzziah starts out obeying and seeking God, which leads to great success. But that success leads to pride. As he becomes more powerful, Uzziah starts to elevate himself.

Uzziah thinks the king is above God’s Law and enters the Temple sanctuary to burn incense on the altar. This was a role set apart by God for priests only. When the high priest and eighty other priests confront him, he’s furious and not repentant. Uzziah finds out the hard way kings are not higher than God. Leprosy breaks out on his forehead. Immediately he’s banned from the Temple, sent to live in isolation and no longer governs Judah. His son takes over. At his death, Uzziah is buried as a leper—not a king.

God expects us to respond to his blessings with gratitude and not disobedience. When confronted with wrong attitudes and behavior, he’s looking for a humble and contrite heart—not open rebellion. By refusing to comply when confronted, Uzziah earns God’s punishment.

IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY

Jesus died to take away our punishment for rebelling against God. If we accept that, we have forgiveness. Yet, we still tend to rebel and do what we want instead of what he says. Today, ask God to reveal where you’re responding to correction with pride. Confess by using King David’s words, “Create in me a clean heart O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me,” (Psalm 51.10 NASB).