Rev. Don Campbell
2 Kings 14; 2 Chronicles 26
THOUGHT FOR TODAY, July 6, 2019
“THE “BUT’S” OF LIFE”
“Uzziah was sixteen years old when he began to reign, and he reigned fifty-two years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Jecoliah of Jerusalem. And he did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, according to all that his father Amaziah had done. He set himself to seek God in the days of Zechariah, who instructed him in the fear of God, and as long as he sought the Lord, God made him prosper” (2 Chronicles 26:3-5). He defeated the Philistines, forced the Ammonites to pay tribute, built towers in Jerusalem, cut out cisterns, had large herds, had farmers and vinedressers working for him, mustered a large army and made all kinds of military armament, including machines to hurl great stones at an advancing enemy (2 Chronicles 26:6-15).
As is often the case, there is a “but” to which we must pay heed: “But when he was strong, he grew proud, to his destruction. For he was unfaithful to the Lord his God and entered the temple of the Lord to burn incense on the altar of incense” (2 Chronicles 26:16). Azariah the high priest and 80 other priests withstood him, reminding him that only the sons of Aaron could burn incense. Rather than falling on his knees and asking God to forgive him, he became angry. As a result, leprosy appeared on his forehead where it would be conspicuous to all.
Solomon had said, “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18). Abraham Lincoln said, “Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.” The records of many of the mighty have been marred by “but.” Richard Nixon had many noteworthy accomplishments as President: Established the Presidential Task Force on Women’s Rights, and had the Justice Department sue the most blatant offenders; Pushed for the Clean Air Acts of 1970; negotiated the SALT agreement with Russia (Strategic Arms Limitation Treaty); eased tensions between the US, Russia, and China. BUT there was Watergate. And you know the rest of the story.
CONNECTIONS
1. Is there a “but” in your life? If so, how are you dealing with it—blaming others, seeking God and man’s forgiveness, ignoring it and hoping God and man will forget?
2. Speaking to some at Galatia who were in danger of falling from grace (Galatians 5:4), Paul asks, “You were running well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth?” (Galatians 5:7). When the books are opened, will it be said of you or me “He was running well, but”?
