Living Under God’s Blessing, vs Outside of God’s Blessing

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Bible Reading: 2 Kings 15:1–7; 2 Chronicles 26

Key Verse: “As long as he sought the LORD, God gave him success.” — 2 Chronicles 26:5

Reflection

In reading the account of Uzziah’s reign in Judah vs the kings in Israel during the same time period, it begs the question, what made the difference between God’s blessing, and God removing his hand of protection? And what insights can we glean from these stories?

Scripture Insight

What did Uzziah do right?

During Uzziah’s reign in Judah, the nation experienced one of the longest periods of stability, prosperity, and blessing. He fortified cities, expanded agriculture, and won military victories. What was the key to his success?

Scripture tells us plainly: he did what was right in the sight of the LORD. (2 Kings 15:1-5) His success was not rooted in strategy alone but in his dependence on God.” As long as he sought the Lord, God gave him success.” (2 Chron 26:5)

What did the kings of Israel do?

While Uzziah flourished, Israel to the north was unraveling. In 2 Kings 15, kings rose and fell in rapid succession:

  • Jeroboam II reigned for 41 years, but only because the Lord saw the bitter suffering of everyone in Israel, and that there was no one slave or free to help them, he used Jeroboam 2 to save them (2 Kings 14:26-27) But, after Jeroboam,
  • Zechariah assassinated after 6 months,
  • Shallum assassinated after only 1 month on the throne,
  • Pekahiah assassinated

Violence, instability, and idolatry defined their leadership. Each king “did evil in the sight of the LORD,” perpetuating the sins of Jeroboam. Their thrones were short-lived, their legacies stained by rebellion. 6 kings reigned during the time of Uzziah’s reign.

Yet even Uzziah’s story warns us: later in life, pride led him to overstep God’s boundaries, and he was struck with leprosy (2 Chronicles 26:16–21). His success was tied to seeking God, not to his own strength. But, even a faithful start can be undone by pride.

This pattern runs throughout Israel’s history:

  • Those who sought God were blessed.
  • Those who turned to idols or ignored Him fell.

Application

  • Under God’s sovereignty, God can use even poor leaders like Jeroboam and Jeroboam II to accomplish His purposes.
  • Guard against pride. Even decades of faithfulness can be undone if we exalt ourselves above God’s order.
  • Seek God daily. Success is not about human strength but about dependence on Him. Those who seek him, and put themselves under His authority, will be blessed in their leadership!

Prayer

Lord, keep me humble and dependent on You. May my life reflect the stability and blessing that comes from seeking You, not the chaos of forsaking You. Guard my heart from pride, and let my leadership—whether in family, work, or community—point unmistakably to Christ. Amen.

Reflection Questions

  1. Where do I see God’s blessing when I seek Him wholeheartedly?
  2. What areas of pride threaten to undo my faithfulness?
  3. How can I lead others into stability by pointing them to God’s ways?

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