Commonly in stories, one of the lead characters has a fatal flaw that leads to that person’s downfall. That was true of Uzziah who was crowned king of Judah at 16 years old. For many years he sought the Lord; and while he did, God gave him great success (2 Chron. 26:4-5). But things changed when “his fame spread far and wide, for he was marvellously helped till he became strong. But when he was strong his heart was lifted up, to his destruction” (vv.15-16).

Uzziah entered the temple of the Lord to burn incense on the altar (v.16), openly defying God’s law. Perhaps pride convinced him that God’s rules applied to everyone except him. When Uzziah raged against the priests who told him this was not right, the Lord struck him with leprosy (vv.18-20).

In books and in life, how often we see a person of good reputation fall from honour into disgrace and suffering. “King Uzziah was a leper until the day of his death. He dwelt in an isolated house, . . . cut off from the house of the Lord” (v.21).

The only way we can prevent the praise of others from making us proud is by following the Lord with a humble heart.

Author

David C. McCasland

Topics

Our Daily Bread