07/09/2022 - THE END OF A DREAM

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So Uzziah rested with his fathers, and they buried him with his fathers in the field of burial which belonged to the kings, for they said, “He is a leper.” Then Jotham his son reigned in his place.  2 Chronicles 26.23

Every human being has a beautiful plan of God about him. He assisted us even in the choice of the sperm that would fertilize the egg. Then, in every step no matter how small, we had His attention and help (Psalms 139.14-16). Adam’s sin disrupted life on Earth, opening the door for the kingdom of darkness to enter our world and cause all the destruction desired by the evil one (Romans 5.12).

Looking at Uzziah, we can understand that keeping the commandments and doing the Lord’s will shows an amazing ability. For a long time, he acted righteously in the eyes of God and served as an example to the people. Then, the idea went into his head that he thought he had the authority to burn incense to the Most High, an act that was an exclusive priestly prerogative. Then, the king fell into sin. When confronted by the priests, he became exalted, and leprosy appeared on his forehead. His decision was unfortunate. Watch and pray!

There was no king like him in Judah, victorious in wars, and this pleased his people. He was good and productive. God helped him in everything. However, he didn’t stay alert and fell under the devil’s condemnation. Why burn incense when this was the priests’ task? Did he lack work to carry out in his small country? His arrogance spoke louder than faith!

We don’t know when Zechariah, the man who understood the visions of God, died. He served as a tutor to Uzziah, who began to reign at the age of 16, replacing his father, Amaziah (2 Chronicles 26.1). The story of this monarch’s haughtiness has also happened to many who do not rule according to the Bible and allow themselves to be influenced by things whose origins they don’t know. It is the duty of those who serve God to watch and pray lest they fall into temptation (Matthew 26.41).

The transgression of burning incense in the temple led Uzziah to go beyond his limits; by doing so, he would be imitating Jeroboam, king of Samaria. He created an altar to rival Judah: And behold, a man of God went from Judah to Bethel by the word of the LORD, and Jeroboam stood by the altar to burn incense (1 Kings 13.1). The man of God condemned that altar, and Jeroboam pointed to it and had his hand paralyzed (v. 4). Beware!

Never dare to defy the Lord! If He becomes angry with the challenger, something serious will happen to that person. Be reverent when you speak to the Most High and address Him. Surely, the Lord will listen to your requests. Our communion with the Almighty must be with respect and holiness. He Himself said: Consecrate yourselves therefore, and be holy, for I am the Lord your God (Leviticus 20.7). We must please Him by following His lead!

The condemnation received in the temple, by furiously resisting the priests, gave Uzziah the title of leper. Thus, he died, unable to be buried along with the other kings. Because of his evil, he was placed far from the tomb of his relatives. He remained only in the same land. What a sad ending!

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares