Uzziah was sixteen years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem for fifty-two years. During his reign as king, he became very strong and well known for his success. Uzziah led Israel to defeat the Philistines and other neighboring nations and saw great economic success during his reign.
2 Kings 15:3 says, "He did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, just as his father Amaziah had done."
Uzziah’s pride of heart and personal success led him to an elevated opinion of himself, which always leads to destruction. Uzziah entered the temple of the Lord and attempted to burn incense on the altar. This was a sacred act strictly limited to priests.
Soon after, God struck Uzziah with leprosy. From then, Uzziah lived a lonely isolated life as a leper until his death.
Isaiah watched as the great king's life ended tragically. Some would say Isaiah had great reason to be discouraged and disillusioned by Uzziah's death.
Perhaps Isaiah asked some of the same questions we often ask today. “How could his life end so tragically? He was a good king." or "Why did this happen and where was Uzziah's God when he needed him?”
But as Isaiah watched the demise of Uzziah unfold, he was convicted by it. He said " I saw the Lord sitting on a throne."
Yes, God was sitting on His throne in heaven, and He was still in charge of all creation!
Maybe your success today has taken you to a place God never intended for you. Don’t settle for success in this world and miss eternity with Jesus. The decisions and the choices that we make, matter a great deal.
Remember, pride comes before the fall. To begin well is not enough. The Lord wants us to finish well, too.
Jesus First!
