When All Is Said and Done

“… for the people said, ‘He had leprosy’”2 Chron. 26:23

May is here and with the flowers and the warmer weather come the end of the school year and graduation ceremonies.  It’s a time to celebrate the successful completion of years of dedication and hard work—by students, teachers, and parents.  And it is also an opportunity to look ahead to the beginning of independence, new opportunities, and the hope of young lives to be lived for the glory of God.  The promise is enormous, and the responsibility equally huge.  What will be done with the rest of a life?

Uzziah was only 16 years old when he became the king of Judah and began a reign that lasted for fifty-two years.  He was a rarity in his day, because he was one who did what was right in the eyes of the Lord.  He sought God, and for as long as he did, God gave him success.  King Uzziah built towers in Jerusalem and in the desert and fortified them.  He dug many cisterns to water his livestock, lands, and the people who worked them.  He led a well-trained army that totaled 307,500 disciplined soldiers who supported their king against his enemies, and his fame spread far and wide, “for he was greatly helped until he became powerful” (2 Chron. 26:15).

So how did it come about that all that could be said at his burial was, “He had leprosy?”  What a puny eulogy for one who had done so many great things.  How did it happen that all he was remembered for was a skin disease? 

Those who chronicled Uzziah’s history don’t leave us in the dark about the reason for his disgrace.  “But after Uzziah became powerful, his pride led to his downfall” (2 Chron. 26:16).  They record that Uzziah’s arrogance led him to believe himself worthy of lighting the incense in the temple despite the warnings of the priests who were present.  As he raged and reached out his hand to the altar, leprosy broke out on his forehead and remained with him for the rest of his life.  He lived alone, excluded from the temple and his family, and his pride kept him from ever repenting and returning to the Lord.

And his legacy was destroyed.  Those at his burial said, “He had leprosy.”  Not “He built great towers” or “He dug many cisterns” or “He led great armies.”  No, at the sad end of his life, mighty King Uzziah was remembered for his great sin against the Lord.

I am sure that at the beginning of his reign, Uzziah had big plans.  And he got off to a great start.  But life proved to be longer than his determination—a marathon and not a sprint.  When he turned his back on the Lord, he lost direction, and the race was over.  His success was in his obedience to God.

When all is said and done, what will remain of your life?  Will they say, “He sought God and stayed the course?”  Or will you be remembered for turning your back on Him?  Each day’s choices will make the difference.  Every step will determine your legacy.  Keep your eyes on Jesus from the beginning to the end.  And when you fail, as we all do, return to Him.  He knows our hearts and seeks to help us succeed—all the way to the finish line.

[By Lisa Huddleston]

 

 

Comments

There are no comments for this entry yet.

Join the Conversation

Commenting is not available in this channel entry.