July 11

July 11

Uzziah's Life (Southern King 52 years) -- Uzziah grows arrogant when he is strong.

Today's Readings:

Reading 1: 2 Chronicles 26

Reading 2: Proverbs 29:22-23

Reading 3: Leviticus 13:45

Finishing well is not guaranteed to any of us. These stories of the rise and fall of righteousness in Israel and Judah show us that each generation, indeed each person, must choose for themselves to follow God. And to turn away from God (as Uzziah did in today's reading) is disastrous.

Notice how pride and anger go together. The consequence is often the loss of the very thing we have wrongly sought to gain for ourselves (in Uzziah's case, the right to burn incense to God representing prayer and spiritual authority).

Spiritual authority is given, not earned. God loves to give it to those who are humble and trust Him, but seeking to grasp spiritual authority for ourselves will not end well!

Have a great day!

Mark.