ODJ: get low
January 22, 2011
But after Uzziah became powerful, his pride led to his downfall. He was unfaithful to the Lord his God (v.16 NIV).
READ: 2 Chronicles 26:1-23
Evangelist D. L. Moody once said, “When a man thinks he has a good deal of strength, and is self-confident, you may look for his downfall. It may be years before it comes to light, but it is already commenced.” This was definitely true of King Uzziah. Everything seemed to be going so well in the monarch’s life. He lived in covenant obedience to the Lord and he sought God’s guidance during most of his reign. As long as he asked God for guidance and help, God gave him great success. His success was evidenced by his many accomplishments (2 Chronicles 26:2,7-15). In fact, Uzziah’s life could be considered a human success story—until he became blinded by his power and success, which caused him to be filled with pride. Uzziah’s pride was evidenced in several ways: He challenged God’s holiness by trespassing into the temple and presuming upon a position he would never be able to have (v.16); he viewed God’s power as nice but not absolutely necessary for his leadership and life (vv.5,16); when confronted with his pride, he refused godly correction and counsel; he refused to repent, and he ignored—instead of feared—the consequences of his sin (vv.18-19). Uzziah’s pride motivated him to glorify himself and contend for God’s supremacy. What a tragic ending to a promising life. The story of Uzziah teaches us several important lessons on how to break the pride cycle and start the humility cycle in our lives: View God’s help as absolutely necessary, remember the Source of all our blessings, thank God regularly for those blessings, and accept godly and worthwhile counsel. May we choose, as William Penn says, a “low and level dwelling!” For God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6). —Marvin Williams
How is pride a contention for the supremacy of God? How has it manifested itself in your life lately? Humility attracts the gaze and grace of God. What is your personal plan for seeking humility?
Tweet This
Share on Facebook
Digg This
Save to delicious
Stumble it-
RSS Feed
Related
ODJ: working hard
February 28, 2012 Whatever I am now, it is all because God poured out His special favour on me. . . . For I have worked harder than any of the other apostles; yet it was not I but God who was working thorough me (v.10). READ: 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 My dad is a hard working [...]
ODJ: drawing close
August 13, 2009 What harmony can there be between Christ and the devil? How can a believer be a partner with an unbeliever? (v.15). READ: 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 My 6-year-old son loves Magnetix. Unlike Legos, which are snapped together and pried apart, magnetized pieces that attract or repel make building easy. According to my son, his [...]
ODJ: encouraging the rejected
November 10, 2009 Barnabas brought him to the apostles and told them . . . how the Lord had spoken to Saul. He also told them that Saul had preached boldly in the name of Jesus in Damascus (v.27). READ: Acts 9:26-28 Several years ago, a 30-something new believer attended our worship service. He [...]
ODJ: memory before birth
July 14, 2010 You must not murder (v.13). READ: Exodus 20:1-17 Got a good memory? Recent research conducted in the Netherlands and published in the medical journal Child Development reveals that babies can remember things quite well—even when they’re still in the womb! The sonogram-based study showed that at 30 weeks, babies in utero display [...]
Christian Courses
Day Of Discovery
Discover The Word
Discovery Series
Help For My Life
My Utmost For His Highest
Our Daily Bread
Our Daily Journey
RBC Ministries
WarungSateKaMu
Manasociety
雅米