November 20: CRISIS OF LEADERSHIP

In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lifted up, and the train of His robe filled the temple. Isaiah 6:1

God is very purposeful in the timing of events. Isaiah demonstrates as much in his own life. In looking back to the Lord’s calling upon his life, the timing corresponded with the end of the reign of King Uzziah.

Uzziah’s reign began at the tender age of 16 and stretched out over the next 52 years. He sought the LORD early, and was enabled to accomplish much that increased the strength and safety of Judah. Highlights include military victories against fierce enemies such as the Philistines. He established cities among his enemies, so that they might witness the blessings of living under God’s rule. He also encouraged agriculture, digging many wells and cisterns in the desert that supported extensive livestock, farms, and vineyards. He added towers and fortifications to strategic places around Jerusalem. The fame of Judah under God’s blessing spread far and wide. Even the Ammonites paid tribute to Uzziah (2 Chronicles 26:8). The Jewish army during this time was well-trained under excellent captains, and Uzziah made certain that they were well equipped. Under Uzziah’s godly leadership, the kingdom of Judah experienced several decades of growth and peace. Trade and economic prosperity flourished.

Uzziah’s early years of seeking after God were to credit for the achievements during his reign. God had helped him become strong. But when he was strong his heart was lifted up, to his destruction, for he transgressed against the LORD by entering the temple of the LORD to burn incense on the altar of incense (v.16). Now the king, in his pride, was assuming a role that God had given to His priests. But when they rightly confronted him, he refused the correction and instead became very angry. Immediately, his forehead broke out with leprosy. The sad remainder of his life was spent in utter isolation. This shocking turn of events hinged upon the pride and presumption of Uzziah. He had deemed himself qualified to reach beyond a boundary set by God. In contrast, Isaiah’s heavenly vision at the beginning of Isaiah chapter 6 led him to say: “Woe is me, for I am undone! Because I am a man of unclean lips, And I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; For my eyes have seen the King, The LORD of hosts.” (v.5) In humility, Isaiah admitted his weakness and the weakness of his people; his yearning for moral purity was honored (see vv.6-7). Within this story lies a parallel between Uzziah’s leprosy and the people of Judah who had been so richly blessed: The whole head is sick, And the whole heart faints. From the sole of the foot even to the head, there is no soundness in it… (1:5b-6a).

In our country today, millions are looking to human leadership to reverse the downward spiral that seems to get worse by the hour. But God also reminds us, as He did Isaiah, that He is on His throne. In looking to Him—not earthly leaders—we can find hope for a glorious, unending future.

“For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts higher than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:9