If ever there appeared to be a man of destiny, it was Solomon. He was the wisest, richest, most respected man of his time. And his destiny was clearly laid out for him. He would be the king who once and for all rid Israel of idolatry! Solomon promised both his father and the Lord that he would bring down every idol in the land.
For a while, Solomon walked in his destiny. At one point, the visiting Queen of Sheba was breathless at the mere sight of Solomon's reverence as he ascended to the temple. But something happened in Solomon's life -- and he too missed his destiny!
This man amassed some 900 wives and concubines, many from other nations. And to appease them, he built an "embassy row" of heathen temple after heathen temple. Soon, the man who had been called to rid Israel of idolatry had become an idolater. He accompanied one wife after another to their temples, bowing before heathen idols.
Like Solomon before him, King Uzziah also missed his destiny. This man had come to the throne at age sixteen, destined to be one of the greatest kings of Judah. He received counsel from the prophet Zechariah. He received visions from the Lord. He was mightily blessed by God.
The Bible says Uzziah sought the Lord -- and God caused him to prosper and become strong: "And God helped him..."(2 Chronicles 26:7). "...And his name spread far abroad; for he was marvellously helped, till he was strong"(verse 15).
Except for Solomon, Uzziah had the greatest reputation of any king over Judah. He was anointed of God. He brought about revival in the land, tearing down idols and walking according to God's Word. When this bold king rode his chariot down the streets, he was given awe and respect. He received gifts and tributes from all over the world.
But, Scripture says: "...when he was strong, his heart was lifted up to his destruction: for he transgressed against the Lord his God, and went into the temple of the Lord to burn incense upon the altar of incense" (verse 16)
Pride overcame this man of destiny. He wanted to be priest as well as king! In disobedience, Uzziah entered the temple and began to wave the incense before the altar. He received a rebuke for this -- and when he pointed an angry finger in response, his hand immediately began to wither. It suddenly became leprous. Uzziah had to be cast out of the temple of God!
Oh, the shame of it! One of the greatest, richest kings in Judah's history now had to be isolated. He was taken to a small house where he spent the rest of his days as a leper: "And Uzziah the king was a leper unto the day of his death, and dwelt in a several house, being a leper; for he was cut off from the house of the Lord..." (verse 21).
Uzziah died in isolation -- cut off from every blessing of God!
When this once-great man died, multitudes should have been gathered around him. His passing should have been an honor to the Lord's name. Instead, he died a near-unknown man, his body eaten up with leprosy. Uzziah missed his destiny!
