Uzziah

 

Uzziah was a good king.  As a matter of fact, he was one of the best kings that Judah ever had.  And he had a long and prosperous reign.  We find in II Chronicles 26:4&5, “And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD ... and as long as he sought the LORD, God made him to prosper.”  Uzziah defeated the Philistines (no small thing) and his other neighbors wisely sent gifts to keep him happy.  Uzziah had herds, flocks, and farms.  He dug wells for irrigation and built fortifications all around.  He had a large standing army with a powerful elite fighting force that everyone feared.  But well into his reign, Uzziah began to mistake God’s blessing for his own cleverness.  Like many of us, his problem was pride.  He attempted to take over the priestly duties and the Lord had to strike him down with leprosy, an uncurable dreaded disease (like cancer).  His son reigned in his stead while Uzziah lived out his final days alone and shunned by everyone.  Hey, when the Lord blesses you, be sure to realize that it is the Lord Who is blessing you!  You may be smart, and you may be wise, but everyone eventually dies.  Everyone.  And when you do, you will meet your Maker.  So, be really smart and prepare for that day.