Good day Worthy Knights,
In this part 24, 2 of 2 (A N Wilson / Wikipedia)
In the West: From whom are you descended ? Uzziah
The biblical account of King Uzziah is a classic example of what happens to a man who gets too big for his spiritual britches.
Uzziah’s ascension to the throne had no doubt filled the hearts of the people of Judah with renewed hope. The last two kings of Judah had started well enough, but after a while, had led the kingdom back into idolatry, bringing judgment upon the nation. As a result, both of the former kings, Joash and Amaziah, met their death due to conspiracy.
Like his father and grandfather before him, Uzziah began his reign well. He showed much promise as a godly ruler that would lead Judah back to God and the restoration of God’s blessings.
But over the years, as God blessed Uzziah, a secret enemy began to invade his heart ever so subtly. So subtle was this enemy that Uzziah likely wasn’t aware of what was happening to him until he had been dealt the fatal blow.
What was this subtle enemy that defeated Uzziah? Basically, he let his kingship go to his head. In other words, Uzziah became proud and haughty. Somewhere amidst all the blessings, he lost sight of the fact that God was the source of his power, popularity, and prosperity.
Pride is a killer. It will kill your spiritual growth. It will kill your intimacy with the Saviour.
Why is pride so spiritually fatal? It is because pride moves one to focus on self instead of Christ. Pride enthrones self rather than the Saviour. That condition can produce but one result: “Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall” (Prov.16: 18).
As we look into the life of King Uzziah, we must be warned that God’s blessings can have the unintended result of pride if we are not careful. We must stay alert; ever staying focused on the true source of every blessing – God Himself.
· Saul
· David · Solomon · Rehoboam · Abijah · Asa · Jehoram · Ahaziah · Athaliah · Amaziah · Uzziah/Azariah · Jotham · Ahaz · Hezekiah · Manasseh · Amon · Josiah · Jehoahaz · Zedekiah |
Sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uzziah
http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/621142/Uzziah http://www.sermoncentral.com/sermons/the-rise-and-fall-of-king-uzziah-donnie-martin-sermon-on-ot-characters-71031.asp