2 Chronicles 26-27
Scripture:
11 Uzziah had a well-trained army, ready to go out by divisions according to their numbers as mustered by Jeiel the secretary and Maaseiah the officer under the direction of Hananiah, one of the royal officials.
12 The total number of family leaders over the fighting men was 2,600.
13 Under their command was an army of 307,500 men trained for war, a powerful force to support the king against his enemies.
14 Uzziah provided shields, spears, helmets, coats of armor, bows and slingstones for the entire army.
15 In Jerusalem he made machines designed by skillful men for use on the towers and on the corner defenses to shoot arrows and hurl large stones. His fame spread far and wide, for he was greatly helped until he became powerful.
16 But after Uzziah became powerful, his pride led to his downfall. He was unfaithful to the LORD his God, and entered the temple of the LORD to burn incense on the altar of incense.
17 Azariah the priest with eighty other courageous priests of the LORD followed him in.
Observation:
Similar to many of the other stories we have read, Uzziah started his reign as king by doing what was right in the eyes of the Lord. Due to Uzziah seeking the Lord in this season, God gave him success. Unfortunately, Uzziah let the success get to his head which led to his downfall.
Every night that I pray with my boys before bed, I always thank God for our family and for what Jesus has done in our lives. My prayer extends beyond each night and day. My ultimate prayer is that my boys will always be grateful for who Jesus is and what He has done for us. I hope we never forget that the blessings we experience are a result of God’s goodness in our lives.
Application:
- Personal Application: The goodness of God is all around us. As we serve Him, He will continue to lead us and provide for us. Take a moment to express your appreciation and gratitude to the Lord for who He is and for what He has done. Expressing gratitude can be done through personal devotional time, tithing, verbal gratitude, and any other ways that prove God is the source and focus of your life.
- Family Devotional: Read this passage to your family. Talk to them about the danger of arrogance and pride. Ask your family if there are any areas in their life that they need to submit to the Lord. Encourage them to continually express gratitude to the Lord and be willing to serve others. Pray for them.
Prayer:
- Personal Prayer Focus: Ask God to consistently soften your heart and to help you to stay grateful for all that He is and all that He has done in your life.
- Family Prayer Focus: Pray that your family will remain humble as they experience God’s blessings on this discipleship journey.
Three Year Reading Plan for Sunday, September 20 – Sunday, September 27:
- Sunday, September 20: 2 Chronicles 23
- Monday, September 21: 2 Chronicles 24
- Tuesday, September 22: 2 Chronicles 25
- Wednesday, September 23: 2 Chronicles 26-27
- Thursday, September 24: 2 Chronicles 28
- Friday, September 25: 2 Chronicles 29
- Saturday, September 26: 2 Chronicles 30
- Sunday, September 27: 2 Chronicles 31
—TOM GROOT is National Director of Men’s Ministry and Christian Education. Connect with Tom on Facebook or Twitter @TomGrootJr.
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