2 Chronicles 26:23

New International Version (NIV)

Uzziah rested with his ancestors and was buried near them in a cemetery that belonged to the kings, for people said, “He had leprosy.” And Jotham his son succeeded him as king.

For meditation

If you should die today, how will the epithet on your grave read? What will people remember you for? Will they remember you for all the great things you did in your lifetime or for that prideful act that destroyed it all for you? Let’s take the example of King Uzziah for our warning today (2 Chronicles 26:1-23).

He was one of the good kings of Judah, who prospered in all that he did because God gave him success as long as he sought the Lord (5). The wars he won (6-8), his architectural and agricultural (9-10) projects, his vast, well-trained army and sophisticated weaponry (11-14), and his inventions (15) all spoke of the Lord’s acknowledgment of his obedience.

His fame spread far and wide, for God helped him in his endeavors until he became powerful (15b). Don’t miss the turning point in the story of this illustrious king of Judah—until he became powerful. What a great lesson to learn from this! But read the next verse slowly and meditatively.

But after Uzziah became powerful, his pride led to his downfall (16).

Solomon was right:

Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall (Prov. 16:18).

A good and godly king like Uzziah could have learned from the mistakes of Solomon, the most prosperous king of Israel. The unfortunate commentary is that he did not. Worse of all, Uzziah’s behavior still stands as a mark of our tendency when God blesses us with success. We will resist any suggestion that we are following a rebellious path. Look around and see the evidence of the blessings, and just keep quiet.

Who could stop Uzziah from burning incense on the altar of incense, a priestly duty, until leprosy broke out on his forehead (2 Chronicles 26:16-19)? That is how destructive pride is. It blinds a person and causes the mind to believe that with position and power, one can change the rules to favor them and get away with it. However, no one can mock God. He has a day and time for all of us. His axe falls slowly to allow repentance and escape from His wrath (2 Peter 3:9).

When people walked past King Uzziah’s grave and read his epitaph, they said,

“Here lies the king God prospered, but became proud and suffered God’s wrath of leprosy until the day he died.”

So, where are you today? Has God prospered you? Is He prospering you? Has He set you on the path of prosperity and fame? How is your heart with Him? How keenly are you guarding your heart against invading pride?  

I pray the epithet on your grave will not read like that of King Uzziah:

“He had leprosy!”

May it be far from you and your household, and may God give you a steadfast heart to remain faithful to Him till the end, prosperity or not.

Pray With Me

Our Savior and King, please help us to live like you, humble and obedient, when you prosper us until you come for us. Amen.