Exploits

 

    What is an exploit?  Exploit is an unfolding of events that make a person heroic. On the flip side, it can be an extraction of something that provides an unfair advantage for an individual.  The word itself is not good or bad.  It is the person and how he or she applies the word that makes it good or bad.

    When King Amaziah died, his son Uzziah became the King of Judah.  He was only 16 when he became king.  He wasn't a child, but he was not a grown man either.  He reigned for 52 years and died at 68.

    Uzziah sought God and God gave him success.  He exploited his position and became powerful and famous.  His exploits were notices as he spent the time and money to rebuild Eloth and restore Judah.  He was a good king to his people and that got him a cast number of warriors.  He equipped them to succeed at their job.

    It seems like so many Christians start out strong and as life happens their fervor seems to die out for God.  The same happened with Uzziah.  All his good fortune left him vulnerable to pride.  His pride got a hold on him and it led to his down fall.  

    He would not allow the priest to burn incense to God, but insisted that he do it himself.  He was a good king, but he was not anointed to do the priest's job.  It made it about himself, not glorifying God no matter what he may had said.  

    Since Uzziah dishonored God, God cursed him with leprosy.  It began on his forehead, so he was not able to hide it.  Talk about a quick and severe humbling experience.  Eventually this disease led to his death.  While he was sick, his son Jotham was the governor of the palace and became king when his father died.

2 Chronicles 26