2 Chronicles 26
We now have the reign of Amaziah's son, Uzziah. Uzziah was made king when only 16 years old and reigned for 52 years. While a godly man, Zechariah, was alive Uzziah followed after God, and it is recorded that as 'long as he sought the LORD, God made him to prosper'. This is seen in the many battles he won, and the might and prosperity of the land - in the fortifications built, wells dug, number of cattle, husbandry and army.
However, in the height of his success he went into the temple and started burning incense on the alter. The priest, Azariah, and 80 other 'valiant' priests followed him and told him he was breaking God's laws and ordered him out of the temple. Uzziah was furious with them but God intervened and immediately struck him with leprosy, at which they all hurried him out of the temple, and he himself rushed to go.
Sadly, he remained a leper until he died and had to spend his last days in isolation whilst his son, Jotham took over the throne.
This record is a striking account of how the Lord blesses those that follow after him, and a reminder how all our success is given by God; but it is also a warning to us not to become proud in the blessings which we are given and become presumptuous or do that which is wrong.
Whilst thinking about this, and noticing particularly in verse 15 how Uzziah was 'marvellously helped, till he was strong', I received a text message that one of my nephew's had a case of covid -19 in his school year (this was in September 2020). I immediately felt a sense of fear and anxiety that the virus had reached my family but on glancing back at the chapter straight way noticed in verse 7,
'And God helped him'.
Straight way my eyes filled with tears and my heart softened at the precious comfort in those words. It is so wonderful when the Lord speaks to us through his word. Our God is the all powerful, all knowing great Sovereign of time and eternity. He does all things well. We can tell him our fears, and be comforted that he will ensure all things happen at his command, and that his love is wrapped around us to reassure us that he works good out of all things for those who love him, whatever the consequences.
Do you have fear, but you cannot say you love God, or want to love him? Tell him you are frightened, but ask him to give you a heart to love him and follow him - to give you that claim on him as your heavenly Father, that you might lay your case before him, asking for his help which he has promised to give. Read his Word - the Bible - and look for what it tells you about him, and about yourself. Jesus tells us that those that seek him will find him when we genuinely search for him.
And when God helps you and blesses you as he did Uzziah, let us thank him and give him the glory and pray to be kept from pride in our achievements.
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