How does Uzziah's success relate to obedience and reliance on God? Setting the Scene: 2 Chronicles 26:6 “Uzziah went out and fought against the Philistines and broke down the walls of Gath, Jabneh, and Ashdod. He built cities near Ashdod and among the Philistines.” What Preceded the Victory • 26:4 – “He did what was right in the eyes of the LORD…” • 26:5 – “…as long as he sought the LORD, God made him prosper.” • 26:7 – “God helped him against the Philistines, against the Arabs living in Gur-baal, and against the Meunites.” Obedience Opens the Path to Success • Consistent righteousness (v. 4) positioned Uzziah for God’s favor. • Seeking the LORD (v. 5) brought ongoing divine guidance and empowerment. • Parallel truth: Deuteronomy 28:1 – “If you will diligently obey the LORD your God… the LORD your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth.” Reliance on God: The Engine Behind Victory • Verse 7 highlights God’s active aid, not merely human strategy. • Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the LORD with all your heart… and He will make your paths straight.” • John 15:5 – “…apart from Me you can do nothing.” The Flip Side: When Reliance Slips • 2 Chronicles 26:16 – “But when he was strong, his heart was lifted up to his destruction.” • Success fostered pride; pride birthed disobedience; disobedience ended favor. • Echoes 1 Samuel 15:22 – “Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice…” Key Takeaways for Today • Obedience keeps the channel of blessing clear. • Continual seeking guards the heart from self-reliance. • Success is safe only when attributed to God, not self. • Jeremiah 17:7 – “Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in Him.” |
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