How can Uzziah's story inspire us to seek God's guidance in our decisions? Uzziah’s Rest: 2 Chronicles 26:23 “And Uzziah rested with his fathers and was buried near them in a field for burial that belonged to the kings, for they said, “He is a leper.” And his son Jotham reigned in his place.” A King’s Path: From Seeking to Straying • 2 Chronicles 26:5 – “He sought God during the days of Zechariah, who instructed him in the fear of God. And as long as he sought the LORD, God gave him success.” • Military victories, agricultural advances, and architectural achievements followed. • 2 Chronicles 26:16 – “But when he became strong, his heart was lifted up to his destruction…” • Pride pushed him to ignore God-given boundaries; he entered the temple to burn incense, a priestly task. • God struck him with leprosy; isolation marked his final years, and verse 23 records the sad epitaph. Why His Life Nudges Us Toward God’s Guidance • Starting well is not enough; continual dependence is vital. • Blessings can become snares when we credit ourselves instead of God (Deuteronomy 8:17-18). • God’s boundaries protect, not restrict. Crossing them forfeits guidance and invites discipline. • Humility keeps the heart teachable (Micah 6:8; 1 Peter 5:5-6). • Consequences are real, yet God’s record of Uzziah’s earlier faithfulness reminds us that obedience pleases Him and is possible. Putting the Lessons into Practice • Keep seeking: set aside daily, unhurried time in Scripture and prayer. • Ask early: bring decisions to Him before plans are formed (Proverbs 3:5-6). • Listen to counsel: God often speaks through faithful mentors (Proverbs 11:14). • Guard the heart: celebrate successes with gratitude, not self-exaltation (1 Corinthians 4:7). • Respect boundaries: obey clear commands even when culture applauds “self-expression.” • Stay accountable: invite mature believers to question attitudes that drift toward pride. A Quick Scripture Toolbox • Psalm 32:8 – “I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go; I will give you counsel and watch over you.” • James 1:5 – “Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God…” • Jeremiah 10:23 – “I know, O LORD, that a man’s way is not his own; it is not in a man to direct his steps.” • John 15:5 – “Apart from Me you can do nothing.” Uzziah’s gravestone whispers both warning and hope: God gladly guides those who keep seeking Him, and every decision is safer when entrusted to His leading. |
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