As Long As He Sought the LORD…
“Uzziah was sixteen years old when he became king, and he reigned fifty-two years in Jerusalem; and his mother’s name was Jechiliah of Jerusalem. He did right in the sight of the Lord according to all that his father Amaziah had done. He continued to seek God in the days of Zechariah, who had understanding through the vision of God; and as long as he sought the Lord, God prospered him.”
2 Chronicles 26:3-5
I don’t know about you, but when I read about the kings listed in 2 Chronicles and 2 Kings, my head starts to swim. There are so many! Some reigned a short time, others a long time.
When I read the name, and how long they reigned, l brace myself for the next sentence. I’m relieved when it says “He did right in the side of the LORD.”
But, many times it says the opposite. For example:
“Solomon did what was evil in the sight of the Lord, and did not follow the Lord fully, as David his father had done.”
1 Kings 11:6
King Uzziah got off to a good start. Part of the credit goes to Zechariah the prophet, who seemed to be a mentor to him.
“He continued to seek God in the days of Zechariah, who had understanding through the vision of God; and as long as he sought the Lord, God prospered him.”
2 Chronicles 26:5
It’s important to listen to the right voices, folks who have understanding and wisdom.
The last part of today’s verses should serve as a guidepost, and a warning to us.
“… as long as he sought the Lord, God prospered him.”
Prosperity doesn’t always mean riches. I believe it’s also the end result when we live life right, walking closely to God.
Uzziah accomplished a lot during his reign.
Unfortunately, later on, he let pride overtake him.
“But when he became strong, his heart was so proud that he acted corruptly, and he was unfaithful to the Lord his God, for he entered the temple of the Lord to burn incense on the altar of incense.”
2 Chronicles 26:16
Then the LORD struck him with leprosy.
“King Uzziah was a leper to the day of his death; and he lived in a separate house, being a leper, for he was cut off from the house of the Lord. And Jotham his son was over the king’s house judging the people of the land.”
2 Chronicles 26:21
Very sad.
Let’s strive to be like Uzziah, in his earlier years.
Let’s continue to seek the LORD.
