What is it about being confronted that causes the worst to come out in people? Confrontation (especially when it involves a rebuke of sin) can set off a chain reaction that transforms the best of people into the worst offenders. A reproof, a rebuke, a word of warning…can be like the trigger on a claymore that detonates an explosion that rips through the strongest of relationships, and attempts to tear through the soundest of commands.
Azariah found this out in a rather intense way. He was the chief priest serving in the house of the Lord when King Uzziah (unlawfully) tried to burn incense on the altar of the temple (II Chronicles 26:16-22). Azariah confronted the king (with 80 other priests), and rebuked him saying, “It is not for you to burn incense to the Lord, Uzziah, but for the priests…” (26:18)
See, when King Uzziah grew in fame and power…he grew proud. Pride in self...and rebuke from others don’t mix very well. Actually, if you want an angry outburst they mix about like nitroglycerine. While Azariah was reprimanding him, Uzziah’s annoyance with the chief priest grew more severe. The king was going to put that sacrificial fire on the altar of incense, and no command from God was going to stop him! However, the leprosy that the Lord struck Uzziah with…did.
What a confrontation…and all because of a well-needed rebuke. Would you react the same way if someone exposed your wrongdoings?
No comments:
Post a Comment