Power Corrupts: from 8.2.08

The LORD afflicted the king with leprosy until the day he died, and he lived in a separate house. 2 Kings 15:5a

Observations: A fuller account of Azariah’s (Uzziah) affliction with leprosy is found in 2 Chronicles 26:16-21. In short, “after Uzziah became powerful, his pride led to His downfall” (2 Chron. 26:16a). He assumed a role reserved only for the priests and in the midst of burning incense on the altar, he was struck with leprosy. From that day on, he was sent to live in a separate house and relieved of his responsibilities as king. His son, Jotham, took charge of the palace and the governing of the people of Judah.

Application: What shall I say about power and pride that hasn’t already been said? So often, power or prestige or even great respect leads to pride. And pride leads to downfall. While I can think of many illustrations of this, the worst move I can make is to think of those “other people” and not focus exclusively on myself. While I may not be as powerful a person as many others, I’ve been entrusted a group of people, many of whom respect my leadership. And that’s enough power to produce pride; enough pride to cause my downfall and the suffering of many.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, teach me to be like Jesus when it comes to dealing with power and pride: “Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made Himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant” (Philippians 2:6-7). Make me like the humble Jesus who used power for You and others, not Himself.