2nd Chronicles 26 FAMOUS FALL Three generations of Judah's leaders started out in their years of leadership by "doing that which was right in the sight of the Lord." All of them failed as they became self-sufficient and self-opinionated, thinking they could do things their own way. Often when stepping into new areas of responsibility there is a sense of fear and trepidation because we are moving forward into "new territory." We don't know what to expect, and aren't quite sure whether we are capable enough to do what is expected. That is when we appreciate the counsel of those who are older and have experienced the "ups and downs" of leading people in some way. It is important for us to learn the lessons they teach us. There is a danger that can arise after awhile in that if we are not careful, we think we can handle everything ourselves. Uzziah started well and did well.
At sixteen years old Uzziah was made king by the people of Judah while his father Amaziah was still alive. Amaziah had become abhorrent to the people and had fled to Lachish, so they were both reigning together for some time. One's age is not a serious limitation as long as they understand their need of godly counsel from godly men. A spiritual counselor is a wonderful blessing in any person's life. Uzziah "sought God" when he was under the guidance of Zechariah, and for that reason "God made him to prosper." Prosperity is not bad if we "give God all the glory" and use the wealth and power wisely. If God has given us "things," be careful, and acknowledge that God has given this to us for a reason. The problem is, there is a tendency when one is successful to think, "I did it." Then pride in one's self, distain for others, arrogance and a changed attitude toward God sets in like a fatal disease. "Pride goeth before destruction."
Because of the influence of a godly man or men of understanding, one can be successful in the things of God. Wisely Uzziah "sought God all the days of Zechariah." He did what needed to be done in relation to Judah's enemies "and God helped him." "His name spread abroad" because it was obvious that God had stepped in to do for him that which was needed. "He strengthened himself exceedingly," indicates he was aware of what was happening and realized opportunities had been given him by God to strengthen the city of Jerusalem with towers at the gates and corners of the wall. The outposts in the desert and the wells he dug would have been for the blessing of others as well as the expansion of agriculture.
No only was he concerned about local and national affairs; he was wisely concerned about foreign affairs. He trained a military force that was skilled in many areas of fighting and defense, in which his soldiers could not only be protected themselves, but could be more effective because of the devices that were invented. In all of these areas of his authority he was "helped" by God. In any activity for the Lord in which we are engaged, all credit and all glory for any success belong to the Lord. We know when we have been "marvelously helped." We should know that it is God's strength that is "made perfect in weakness" even though it may seem we are strong to others around.
"But when he was strong" is when problems begin, not in the results of our efforts and the things God has done when He helps us, but the problems are in us. When we begin to think we are successful in ourselves, then the downhill slide begins. Often, we begin to ignore the contributions of others, the advice of the wise men around us, the pricks of conscience within us. The "behind-the-scenes" people are often overlooked and not recognized for who they are and what they have done to bring success to a work. Divine empowerment is taken for granted if we are not careful and so the "pride which God hates," becomes our downfall.
Perhaps Uzziah wanted to show outward appreciation for God personally, but he should have known better than to seek to by-pass those who had been appointed by God for the role of spiritual service. It would appear that he thought because of his exalted opinion of himself, that he was rising to a level that gave him the right to do what he wanted, where he wanted and when he wanted. Likely it was because of the things he had accomplished and the successes he now believed he had brought about, that made him so proud and headstrong that he wanted to offer incense himself. Azariah and eighty priests went in after him to withstand him and correct him. They understood it was his intention to offer incense on the altar and he had to be stopped. If he had accepted their correction, he could have likely been forgiven if he had acknowledged his sin. But he had become a stubborn, self-centered, proud, opinionated, rebellious and unreasonable man.
We may feel we have a right to be proud of our accomplishments, and in a sense that is true, but to look down on others who have been involved in the work with us, and ignore the divine power of God working on our behalf, is wrong. To think one is above the authority of the law is a grave mistake no matter how powerful one is or how high a position one might hold. "God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble." That is a principle that has not changed. When one is willing to "Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord," ... "He shall lift you up."
To think we are above the law is a grave mistake. The law of the land has consequences to levy against one who thinks they are above the law - and the law of the land can be changed. The law of God is unchanging. Its standards remain settled in heaven. Uzziah's great sin was in his anger against that which was God's law and God's chosen servants. His defiance was against God Himself. His anger against them precipitated the leprosy rising up in his forehead where it was visible to all. If he had been humble and accepted the correction of the priests and repented of his sin, the priest could have spoken for him in an appeal to God and he may have been spared. But his anger against God was a fatal choice. His last years were spent in obscurity, removed from contact with others even as he shared in a way in leadership with his son Jotham.
Uzziah did a lot of good things, but is well known for what he did wrong rather than what he did right. He was even buried in a field apart from his forbearers. One act of willful rebellion and pride, in effect cancelled out all that had been beneficial in his life as far as history is concerned. That is a lesson for us. To work for God and participate with Him in building His kingdom, is an unspeakable privilege. How gracious it is of God to allow us to have a part in a work that is eternal in nature. One single wrong act in the life of a believer can cancel out a whole life of positive labor. A person is remembered more for what they do wrong and a fall that happens, than for all the good they might have done.