2 Chronicles 26

In 2 Chronicles 26, we see king Uzziah and how he was a great king for the nation when he honored and served the Lord in all his ways. He started out great. He let pride and arrogance creep in and puff up his ego as his fame spread throughout the lands. He tried to act as both priest and king and only Jesus holds that role. 80 brave priests stand up to him as he tries to enter the Tabernacle and refuse his entry. Rather than repent and turn back to God and God's ways, he tries to fight past them. It was courageous of these men to stand up to such a well known and powerful king, but they did not budge. They refused to compromise with God. They stood firm in faith no matter what. God intervened and struck him with leprosy so his son had to take over and lead the kingdom in his place since he would not be in quarantine. God was gracious in this because the law demanded that those who intruded the temple were to be put to death, but he instead gives Uzziah a time out - but it's a time out that would last the rest of his life on earth. He had a great beginning, but wasn't watching and paying attention and let pride creep in. We are told throughout Scripture to watch and beware. Ask God to search us and repent of anything revealed that needs to go. He is forgiving and merciful and has already forgiven it. We just need to choose to turn.