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2 Chronicles 26
- After the reign of Amaziah, considered a relatively good king by the Lord, the son Uzziah reigned in his stead. For 52 years he reigned (the longest reigning king of Judah, or even Israel). As long as he continued seeking the Lord, the Lord made him prosper (26:5). The importance of the previous remark is seen in relation to this: “…he grew proud, to his destruction” (26:16). His pride in his station of life made him presumptuous, thinking he could offer to the Lord only that which the Lord authorized the priest to do. This presumptuous act brought upon him the “kiss of death” (leprosy). For the remainder of his day, he was segregated from the Lord’s people and His temple (26:17-23).
- Application: Once again, it is worth noticing that when one presumptuously takes upon self what the Lord had not authorized to be done, that one who is filled with pride in so doing has presumed on the Lord’s authority. It is not simply a matter of an innocent alternative to a particular approach, but of going beyond the Lord’s revealed will.
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Eugene Adkins 6:31 am on June 18, 2012 Permalink |
I remember the first time I read about Uzziah. I think he is one the most interesting kings to read about. His “recovery and jobs” program sure seemed to be extremely successful.
The inventions in verse 15 really caught my attention when I read it. I wonder what the “machines” looked like? I love learning about man’s “old technology” and how they weren’t as dumb as some think they were. They didn’t have flat screen TV’s…but that’s only because they didn’t need them :)
I remember thinking about whether or not Uzziah was able to continue in his love of farming because of his choices when he got leprosy…not to mention the heart-ache you know he experienced when he realized he’d never enter the temple again.
Keep up the great little articles, Ron.
Ron Thomas 7:17 am on June 18, 2012 Permalink |
I appreciate your words, Eugene. The technology of man today, like it has been in every generation before today, is both a blessing and curse. We sometimes vacillate between the two.