Thurs., 12/22/16 Devotion (2 Chron. 26:5)

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

"[King Uzziah] sought God in the days of Zechariah, who had understanding in the visions of God; and as long as he sought the LORD, God made him prosper."

Uzziah of Judah was a good king, but he was not a great king. So long as he had godly clergy instructing him, he did well. But once he got proud, and pre-sumptuously assumed the duties of the Levites, he fell down, (cf. 2 Chron. 26:16).

We learn at least two things from the example of Uzziah: 1) good church in-struction keeps the saints in the narrow way of Jesus and His gospel; and 2) unless pride is constantly checked, blessings can turn to burdens; and those who had been very exemplary in their faith can nevertheless take some seri-ous tumbles.

[Puritan quote of the day: "When we preach Christ and free grace it is to bring you to Christ. Our preaching down of works is not to keep you from doing them but from resting in them.” —Jeremiah Burroughs, in, "Gospel Remis-sion"]