Doing Right in the Sight of the Lord - (Part 1)

(Reading 2 Chronicles 26:1-15; Isaiah 6:1-6. )

We would find that prophet Isaiah had an incredible experience with the living and holy God. In his upward look he saw the King, in his inward look he saw himself as a sinner, in his outward look he saw others who were also sinners like him. We will begin in this series with a character study.

First character, king Uzziah. He had a longer reign in history compared to other kings. In comparison to other kings of Judah he was more righteous than them in many ways. He reigned in the 8 Century BC. Uzziah’s reign was so important in Jewish history. He was not corrupt like the kings of the northern Israel. Uzziah reigned for 52 years in the Southern Kingdom.

In modern history, Victoria (Alexandrina Victoria; 24 May 1819 – 22 January 1901) was Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland from 20 June 1837 until her death in 1901. Her reign of 63 years and seven months was longer than any previous British monarch.

Over all, Australia has had 30 Prime Ministers in the last 120 years. Some became thrice or twice PMs. In the last 50 years we have had 11 Prime Ministers. One, became PM twice.

Fidel Castro, Cuba’s leader reigned from 1961 until 2011. He outdid 10 American Presidents from Eisenhower to Obama.

Second Chronicles tells us that he began his reign at age 16 (2 Chro.26:1) Verse 4 tells us that Uzziah “was doing right in the sight of the Lord.” It also tells us his achievements and later on his failure in life. ((Read the 2 Chro.26 :1-23)

What did he do for a start? He was a man after God and did what was right. Therefore God blessed him. He was victorious in every battle against the Philistines and other surrounding tribes or nations. He was a great builder and strengthened the walls of Jerusalem. He improvised agriculture and water systems. He believed that a man who controls the army controls the country. He improvised his military and defence systems and he cared for his people.

To sum up his achievements, he was loved by his people and did a lot for them and it pleased God (Read 2 Chro.26:1-15).

As believers, if we lovingly obey God, He will always bless us, but if we disobey, there are also consequences.

Hebrew 12:6 says, “For whom the Lord loves He chastens.” This is what I call ‘disciplined by grace.” Very often God does that to us because we are His real children and He wants us to walk in the light of His glory. We are not bastards-illegitimate children. We are His children and He cares for each and everyone of us. (Heb.12:3-11 gives a whole picture). All by grace and by grace alone, through faith alone.