2 Chronicles 26:15b-16 "...And his name spread far abroad; for he was marvellously helped, till he was strong. But when he was strong, his heart was lifted up to his destruction: for he transgressed against the LORD his God, and went into the temple of the LORD to burn incense upon the altar of incense."
The life of Uzziah serves as a warning to each of us. He was definitely one of the better kings that we read about in this book, until the end. The word describing his heart being "lifted up" implies haughtiness, pride, arrogance. It is strange how most sin can be traced back to a seed of pride. Pride says that I know better than God what is good for me, therefore "justifying" my sin (whatever it may be).
It is also strange, and frightening, how quickly and quietly pride can steal into our lives. Under the watchful eye of Zechariah the priest, Uzziah no doubt remembered where his prosperity was coming from. Yet this only lasted "till he was strong." But we see clearly here that his sense of strength was only an illusion. That strength came from God and was the only reason for his success.
Can I examine my life today, seeking God to show me any seed of pride that may be lurking within me?
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