Ready for a Bible quiz? Which king: attained national influence at age 16; was a genius in military deployment and national security; invented new military weapons; had true vision for commercial and business development; and possessed the Midas touch in husbandry and agriculture?
Who was he? King Uzziah—whose name means “The Lord my strength.” The chronicler tells us the secret of the king’s success. Uzziah was concerned about doing what was right in the eyes of the Lord, and he truly followed after Him. He also wisely received instructions from a godly man (2 Chronicles 26:5).
Sadly, however, his story ended badly. When he became powerful, he also became proud; one day he went against God’s ordinances for temple worship, and when he was rebuked, he became furious (2 Chronicles 26:16-19). His heart was too proud to receive correction. God brought swift discipline for his disobedience (2 Chronicles 26:20). Uzziah died a leper.
After years of useful leadership, it’s tragic that Uzziah’s legacy was that of failure. What’s scary is that his story can be ours if we stop walking humbly with our God (Micah 6:8).
Use the following questions to evaluate yourself today: Are you truly concerned with doing what’s right in the eyes of God? Are you still seeking Him? Are you ready to receive instruction from godly people?
Jesus said, “Apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). Considering that verse, here are some thoughts from a Bible teacher: “Christians are like stamps. We fulfill our purpose only when we remain attached to the envelope till we reach the destination. Our key focus is not achievement, but attachment. We must remain attached to Christ till we reach heaven.”
That’s the way to have both a good first half and second half of life!
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: John 13:21-38
More:
Read John 15:1-9 and consider what it says about the source of real life and fruitfulness.
Next:
How are you walking closer with God this year than the year before? What are you doing intentionally to seek God and do what’s right in His eyes?
Gary Shultz on September 13, 2014 at 7:16 am
Yes in deed, I know I must continually remind myself not to grow weary. I must strive to finish well in God’s strength.
Kathy @ In Quiet Places on September 13, 2014 at 1:54 pm
This is why it is so important to have that close relationship and intimate walk with the Lord all the days of our lives.
Mike Wittmer on September 15, 2014 at 10:14 am
Great reminder, Poh. This is the funny thing about perseverance–we can’t persevere until we actually do. What a tragedy to live faithfully for decades and then throw it away near the end.
daisymarygoldr on October 26, 2014 at 2:09 pm
King Uzziah’s scary story flies in the face of false eternal security doctrine.
According to God’s sovereign rule: if righteous people turn from their righteous behavior and start doing sinful things and act like other sinners, should they be allowed to live? No, of course not! All their righteous acts will be forgotten, and they will die for their sins. (Ezekiel 18: 24-26)
Lest this gets dismissed as an Old Testament teaching, the Holy Spirit maintains this truth in the New Testament as well.
Peter warns: “when people escape from the wickedness of the world by knowing our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and then get tangled up and enslaved by sin again, they are worse off than before. It would be better if they had never known the way to righteousness”
This is the righteousness of God: If wicked people turn from their wickedness, obey the law, and do what is just and right, they will save their lives. They will live because they thought it over and decided to turn from their sins. Such people will not die. (Ezekiel 18: 28)
What’s the point? Whether the first half was good or bad, let us choose to do what is right, fight the good fight, finish the race, not give up doing good, and persevere to stay faithful till the end.