What’s In It For You?

2 Chron 26:16 But when he was strong his heart was lifted up, to his destruction, for he transgressed against the Lord his God by entering the temple of the Lord to burn incense on the altar of incense. 17 So Azariah the priest went in after him, and with him were eighty priests of the Lord--valiant men. 18 And they withstood King Uzziah, and said to him, "It is not for you, Uzziah, to burn incense to the Lord, but for the priests, the sons of Aaron, who are consecrated to burn incense. Get out of the sanctuary, for you have trespassed! You shall have no honor from the Lord God."

There are two hearts on display here in 2 Chron 26. One is very self-centered, focused only on its own kingly aggrandizement, and the other is focused on the Word of God and recognition of the King of Kings.

One has a king-sized ego to stoke, and the other has a king-sized problem to deal with.

This dichotomy is interesting in a season when so many are making so-called ‘New Year’s resolutions’ - attempting to deal with personal short-comings of the past by making a vow for the future. (Of course, we typically find those who make New Year’s resolutions have a great deal of difficulty keeping them.)

Perhaps the solution to the problem with the resolution deals with the intent of the resolver. Perhaps we see evidence here in the difference between the life of king Uzziah and the life of the priest Azariah. The key seems to be: What’s in it for you?

Uzziah was moving into new territory, seeking even greater recognition. He had proven a very successful king, rising to the throne at age 16, and going on to be victorious in battle while at the same time building up the defenses of the nation. His wealth and personal stature had grown mightily. He was famous from Jerusalem on down even to Egypt. What new areas remained to be conquered? And so he resolved (within himself) to take on the mantle of great spiritual leader as well – but to what purpose? Again, his primary goal seems to be enlargement of self, and personal esteem. Be it resolved!

Fortunately that day there was another man present who had an entirely different resolve – to protect the rites of the temple according to the Word of God – that no one other than a priest and a descendent of Aaron was to burn the temple incense. No one – not even a king! And at great personal cost and risk of life, Azariah withstood king Uzziah to his face. Be it resolved!

The Lord weighed in in a powerful way, permanently marking Uzziah’s flesh with leprosy (V19) – because the flesh is what he resolved to serve. Azariah, on the other hand, resolved to serve the Lord at all cost, and was rewarded by preserving a type which would only be fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Who do you resolve to serve?

- Pastor Bill