Mon., 12/22/14 Devotion (2 Chron. 26:5b)

Today's encouragement comes from 2 Chronicles 26:5b, where we read these words:

" . . . And as long as he [King Uzziah of Judah] sought the LORD, God made him prosper."

Why is it that we fallen children of Adam insist on hurting ourselves, and our best prospects for true happiness and peace? In the case of Uzziah (above), it was his pride. So long as he was humble, and sought the Lord, things went well for him. Once he got a bit "uppity" in spirit, he thought he could do any-thing he wanted to, (like offer incense in the temple). For this transgression, God gave Uzziah leprosy, (see vv. 16 ff.).

Pride is at the root of *our* foolishness, as well. What is the Christian to do—especially when our hearts are "lifted up" in pride? We are to humble our-selves, and cast ourselves on the mercies of God as they are found in Jesus. This is done by grace, through faith.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Is it presumption for a man to keep the Sabbath Day? No. Why? Because it is commanded.” —William Bridge, in, "A Lifting Up for the Downcast"]