Uzziah the King II Chronicles 26:1 I. Introduction. A. Uzziah the king: II Chronicles 26:1. 1. A mere youth--yet had great potential, as well as responsibilities. 2. Reigned 52 years. 3. Builder of cities; great warrior. 4. Name means "strength of Jehovah." B. Comment on his character: II Chronicles 26:4-5. 1. A person of understanding. 2. God prospered him. 3. Note "as long as he sought Jehovah." a. Other cases in O.T. b. When wrong was done, the penalty was paid. C. The Lord went with him against the Philistines: II Chronicles 26:6-8. II. Body. A. The fame of Uzziah spreads: II Chronicles 26:8. 1. Success brings such. 2. A reputation can be valid or invalid. 3. This king was strong and earned the respect of others. 4. However, fame is an earthly appraisal; can be fleeting. B. Uzziah was a builder: II Chronicles 26:9-10a. 1. Great leaders do not tear down--they build (Solomon). 2. Great men tend to be multi-talented. 3. The towers would be used to preserve Judah and to protect from enemies. C. Uzziah loved husbandry(v. 10b). 1. Uzziah the kind was a farmer. 2. Many great leaders were close to the soil. 3. It takes such a one to appreciate the earth God created and the products of that earth. D. Uzziah the king was a warrior: II Chronicles 26:11. 1. The kingdom of the Old Testament was a physical kingdom: physical kingdoms have armies. a. David was a great soldier. b. Solomon was a tactician who lived by his wisdom. 2. Uzziah's army was well-equipped: II Chronicles 26:14-15a. a. Was fully supported by the people: made him strong(15b). b. Is this a lesson for us? (1 Note: II Timothy 2:15. (2 If one is ill equipped for service, he/she will lose. (3 No congregation stronger than members. c. An army is most successful only when all are willing to fight. d. Remember: Ephesians 6:10-13. E. Uzziah the king was only a human: 1. Fame and power can turn one's head onto the wrong path: II Chronicles 26:16. 2. Uzziah pays for his mistake: II Chronicles 26:17-18. a. Only priests were authorized to do what Uzziah did. b. Confronted with wrong, Uzziah became angry: II Chronicles 26:19a. (1 Often happens when one is charged with wrong. (2 When the Jews were charged with being betrayers and murderers: Acts 7:54. c. No man, king or otherwise, is above the Laws of God. d. Power does corrupt; too many times the more the power the more the corruption. e. Comment on "his heart was lifted up"(v. 16). 3. Uzziah is punished for his error: II Chronicles 26:19b-21. a. A dread disease; debilitating of body; horrible in appearance. b. How could a good man, a wise man and a great leader fail to remember God's law? Why does it happen in any generation? c. Now separated from his family and friends--he was unclean! d. Jotham, his son, becomes king in his place while Uzziah still lives as a leper. 4. While Uzziah followed the ways of God, he was blessed; when he sinned, he was cursed. a. In the space of an hour, he tainted 52 years of righteous reign. b. The king sinned; the king paid the price(not even he was above the law of God). c. The end of his life was spent in misery and isolation. III. Conclusion. A. As Uzziah, some start strong and dedicated, but end up broken and weak. B. Only a respect for God and His word can keep one faithful unto death: Revelation 2:10.-jy