Uzziah

II Chronicles 26:1-23

We finished looking at the life of Samson a couple of weeks ago. Do you remember what we said about his life? His life could be characterized by one word, 'Wasted'. Wasted time, wasted strength, and wasted opportunities. Tonight I want us to look at another character whose life serves as a vivid reminder that we must be faithful, and not waste what God has given to us.

Last week I saw a photo in the newspaper of the IU bench during their embarrassing loss in Wisconsin. I looked into the face of a young man named, George Leach. He was there, not in uniform, sidelined due to an injury. He wanted to be in the game, he wanted to participate, but had to sit by and watch his team be humiliated!

The sad truth is that there are many folks who have 'sidelined' themselves! They are "used to be" Christians. They 'used to be' involved, they 'used to be' faithful, or they 'used to be' servants of God! There are far too many church members who have voluntarily been sidelined in the work of God.

The development of leadership in Israel had taken a giant step downward since David was a man after God's own heart. Solomon's sons split the kingdom. Our main character this evening is the tenth king of the southern kingdom down the line from Rehoboam.

His name is Uzziah, also known as Azariah in 2 Kings 14:21. Perhaps best known due to Isaiah's mention of him in death. (Is. 6:1) Uzziah reigned fifty-two years, taking the throne as a teenager. For many years his reign was impressive, but something happened and the results were tragic, both nationally and personally. Note: 2 Chronicles 26

I. Uzziah as a Youth. v1-5

II. Uzziah as Ruler. v6-15

III. Uzziah as a Rebel. v16-18

IV. Uzziah at the end. v19-23

What can be learned from this tragic account of one who held much promise in the beginning and had such a disappointing finish? It does make a difference how we end our race in life! There is only place in the Bible where we find the word "success".

The Lord who blesses is also able to bruise and to break. As we begin this New Year for the Lord, let's remain faithful.