Pride ??? #284

Isaiah 6:1 In the year of King Uzziah’s death I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, lofty and exalted, with the train of His robe filling the temple.

The words of Isaiah in this sixth chapter are some of the most quoted of all scripture. You likely have read it, heard of sermon taken from it, or maybe even memorized sections of chapter six. Do you know how or why Uzziah died? Have you considered the importance of Isaiah entering the Temple? The scripture says of Uzziah in 2 Chronicles 26:4 “He did right in the sight of the Lord according to all that his father Amaziah had done. 5 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.”

It seems reading this passage that Uzziah was a great man of God. Yet the Bible gives us a different picture later in his life. It tells us the real struggle of Uzziah in his relationship with God and in his character. He was a man with a severe pride issue. Pride is listed as one of the seven deadly sins. The New Testament says pride goes before a fall. Uzziah was a great leader. He led Israel into victory in war. He improved their capacity in growing crops. He built towers and buildings. Through his leadership the nation developed many wells of water to water the large herds of cattle. His elite army numbered over 307,500 warriors. Verse fifteen says “Hence his fame spread afar, for he was marvelously helped until he was strong.”

Verse 16 says, “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.” His pride led to his fall. He decided to enter the Temple to burn incense that only the priest could do. He was warned not to follow his pride, but he did and while being implored not to do it he became very angry. It was at that point that leprosy broke out on his forehead. Verse 21 “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.”

What a horrible end to the life of a man who had followed the Lord. His downfall was his own pride. He forgot that all he was and all he had came from God. He took the glory rather than give the glory to God. Be cautious that pride does not destroy your walk with God. Give Him all the glory.

__________________Today's personal note from Dennis

Greetings from Starbucks in beautiful Tempe, AZ

Sandy and I leave for Quartzsite, AZ on Thursday the 16th. It will be a jam packed week with morning devotionals, street evangelism, fellowship, and revival each evening. It will make for a long, but exciting week. God has blessed us by allowing us to be  a part of this outreach for six years. We join with the Quartzsite Southern Baptist Church and Campers on Mission for a wonderful week of ministry. We request that you pray for both of us and for the work of the team there. 

I will miss this next Sunday preaching at First Baptist Church, but will return for the following Sunday, January 26th. Join me in the Intersect Service at 9:30 AM in the LOFT. Along with the ministry in Quartzsite (I will be speaking each morning) I will also be preparing the sermon for the 26th and writing The Encourager. I covet your prayers. 

Thanks for sending emails that are a real encouragement to me. So many of you comment on the pictures. I sometimes think I just need to send a bunch of pictures and stop writing. I have to admit I sure have some cute grandkids. 

Sandy continues to teach her "YOUNG MOMS" class. She so loves her ladies. They are currently studying the Book of Esther. Several of the young moms and their husbands are in the Intersect Service. It gives me a chance to meet them also. They are great.

Thank you for your prayers, concern and support for Purpose Ministries, and for Sandy and me personally. You are the best. 

May God bless you this week with a humble heart.  ~ DGW