Why did Jesus say to pray for daily bread? It fosters humility, dependence, and a lifetime of thankfulness.
King Uzziah’s successes piled up. He had victories in foreign wars (2 Chron 26:2-8). His building projects were legion. “He built Elath” (v 2), and “built towers in Jerusalem at the Corner Gate, at the Valley Gate, and at the corner buttress of the wall…Also he built towers in the desert” (vv 9-10). He was also productive in cultivating the land. “He dug many wells, for he had much livestock…he also had farmers and vinedressers in the mountains and in Carmel, for he loved the soil” (v 10). He not only carefully organized his troops, but initiated an arms race “for the entire army, shields, spears, helmets, body armor, bows, and slings to cast stones” (v 14). As well, “he made devices in Jerusalem, invented by skillful men, to be on the towers and the corners, to shoot arrows and large stones” (v 15). And now the tipping point. Successful warrior, administrator, builder, agronomist, innovator. In conclusion, “his fame spread far and wide, for he was marvelously helped” (v 15). Sadly, you know what’s coming! “But when he was strong his heart was lifted up, to his destruction” (v 16). He wanted to add one more honor to his résumé—priest! “For he transgressed against the Lord his God by entering the temple of the Lord to burn incense on the altar of incense.” Although “Azariah…and with him…eighty priests of the Lord—valiant men…withstood King Uzziah” (vv 17-18), it was too late. “And while he was angry with the priests, leprosy broke out on his forehead” (v 19). He was a leper to the day of his death. It was the Lord who designed “the separation of church and state.” The kings were from Judah, the priests from Levi. Only in Christ will they at last gloriously unite. “He shall be a priest on His throne, and the counsel of peace shall be between them both” (Zech 6:13).