Suffering and sickness in the bible – Part 24

Reasons For Believers’ Sickness Cont’

God’s grace and power are clearly seen and profoundly revealed amid our human weakness.

• The greater our weakness and trials for Christ, the more grace God will give to accomplish His will. What He gives is always sufficient for us to live our daily lives, work for Him, and to endure sufferings and thorns in the flesh (cf. 1Cor 10:13). As long as we draw near to Christ, He will give us His heavenly strength and comfort.

II. We should boast and see eternal value in our weaknesses, for they cause Christ’s power to rest and live within us as we walk through life towards our heavenly home.

As A Result Of Pride
E.g. Uzziah (2 Chr. 26:15-20); Nebuchadnezzar (Dn. 4:28-37); Herod (Acts 12:23).

• Uzziah king Of Judah (2Chr. 26:1-23; 2 Kg. 15:1-7).
Read 2 Chro 26. The reign of Uzziah (Azariah) is divided into two parts: the years he sought the Lord and the years he was unfaithful to the Lord. The Bible emphasises that seeking God results in blessing and help, whereas failure to seek God results in spiritual decline and judgment (see v.5-7 and 16-20; see 15:2)

“He sought God in the days of Zechariah, who had understanding in the visions of God; and as long as he sought the Lord, God made him prosper.” (2 Chr 26:5)

“As long as he sought the Lord.” As long as Uzziah (Azariah) continued to seek the Lord and follow His righteous ways, he was given grace, strength and help to rule as king of Judah (see 14:4)

“But when he was strong his heart was lifted up, to his destruction, for he transgressed against the Lord, his God, by entering the temple of the Lord to burn incense on the altar of incense.” (2 Chr 26:16)

“His heart was lifted up to his destruction.” Uzziah (Azariah) failed to realise that all he had accomplished had been with the help of God (v.5,7) and others (v. 8,11-13); the result was pride, and it led him into the sins of presumption and unfaithfulness (see Phil 2:3)

• Nebuchadnezzar (Read Dan 4)
“Therefore, O king, let my advice be acceptable to you; break off your sins by being righteous, and your iniquities by showing mercy to the poor. Perhaps there may be a lengthening of your prosperity,” (Dan 4:27).

“Break off your sins by righteousness.” The very fact that Daniel called for the king to repent indicates that God’s terrible judgment could be avoided. If Nebuchadnezzar would forsake his sins and turn to a righteous lifestyle, showing mercy to the poor and downtrodden whom he had oppressed, God would not carry out what He had revealed in the dream.

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