“You Better Check Yo Self…”


BIBLE READING: 2 Chronicles 24-26

                At the young age of sixteen, Uzziah became the King of the nation of Judah.  His rule is marked by several accomplishments, including the construction of some type of machine that was able to sling arrows and stones that could be used to protect the kingdom.  Yet during his reign, he allowed all his accomplishments to go to his head.  2 Chronicles 26.16 tell us “…when he was strong, he grew proud to our destruction.  For he was unfaithful to the LORD his God…”.  In his arrogance he thought it acceptable to go into the temple of the LORD and burn incense on the altar of incense.  Of course, Azariah, the priest of the LORD, rushed into the Temple along with eighty other priests to withstand the king because of his sin.  Just because he was King, did not give him the right to overrule a commandment that had been previously set by the Lord; that only the priests could offer the offerings in the temple.  There is an old saying that says “Absolute power corrupt absolutely.”.  King Uzziah had allowed his pride to consume his heart making him believe he was above the law of God.   Before Uzziah even gets a chance to leave the Temple, the LORD strikes him with leprosy on his face, allowing all to see the error of his way.  Not only is the Bible full of examples of people that allowed pride to become the reason for their downfall, there are also serval passages that are present to remind us.  James 4.6 tells us that “God opposes the crowd but gives grace to the humble…”.  Solomon writes “when pride comes, then comes disgrace” (Proverbs 11.2).  He also says that “pride goes before destruction” (Proverbs 16.18).   Several years ago, the modern-day poet Ice Cube once said, “You better check yo self before you wreck yo self”.  King Uzziah would have done well to heed those words.  Let’s make sure we keep ourselves in check, so we do not let pride lead us into the same trap.


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