Till he became strong

His fame spread far and wide, for he was marvelously helped till he became strong.   Chronicles 26:15

In George MacDonald’s fairy tale Lilith, giants live among normal people. These giants must conduct their daily affairs very carefully. When they sleep, their snoring is disruptive. When they turn over, houses may be crushed under their weight.

In the Bible, Uzziah became a “giant” of a man after becoming king at age 16. The keys to his success are recorded in 2 Chronicles 26. His father Amaziah set a good example for him (v. 4). The prophet Zechariah instructed him (v. 5). He had an army of fighting men and capable generals who helped him (vv. 11-15). And God prospered him (v. 5).

Clearly, King Uzziah became a “giant” through the Lord’s blessing. But after attaining success, he grew careless and stumbled badly. The clue to his demise is found in the phrase “he was marvelously helped till he became strong” (v. 15).

Those last four words serve as a dire warning to us all. Uzziah’s “heart was lifted up, to his destruction” (v. 16). He usurped the priestly duties and became leprous (vv. 16-21).

We have all been marvelously helped — by our Lord God, by those He has given to set an example for us, and by those who serve alongside us. When we become strong, we must take heed, or we too will stumble.                 — Albert Lee

When all goes well and I feel strong,

Oh, help me, Lord, to see

That I must place my confidence

In you and not in me. — Anon.

READ: 2 Chronicles 26:3-15

I have never met a man who has

given me as much trouble as myself.

— D. L. Moody

The Bible in one year:

• Psalms 23-25

• Acts 21:18-40