A Basis For Confidence - Azariah And King Uzziah

Azariah the high priest went in after him with eighty other priests of the LORD, all brave men. They confronted King Uzziah and said, “It is not for you, Uzziah, to burn incense to the LORD. That is the work of the priests alone, the descendants of Aaron who are set apart for this work. Get out of the sanctuary, for you have sinned.”

2 Chronicles 26:17-18

Like most artists, John Singer Sargent, one of the most gifted and highly renowned portrait painters of his day, went through times when he doubted his ability. When those doubts began to creep in, he would look at one of his most highly praised paintings and remind himself, “I painted that!” Just like that, his confidence would return.

Nothing keeps you from what God calls you to do more than self-doubt and fear. On the other hand, nothing gives you confidence like knowing you have God’s full support.

At the pinnacle of his reign, King Uzziah of Judah was arguably one of the most powerful men in the world. Few dared to say no to him or tell him what to do. Yet a high priest with strong convictions—and a lot of courage—did exactly that.

Azariah, the high priest, knew that Uzziah had been out of line. The king had entered the holy Temple and burned incense, a duty that God had reserved for his priests alone. Someone had to say something, and Azariah was just the man to do it.

Azariah knew that confronting the king of Judah entailed a great deal of risk, to put it mildly. Uzziah had the authority, the temperament, and (probably) the inclination to end Azariah’s life.

Still, Azariah spoke up.

Did Azariah speak out presumptuously or recklessly? Was he simply “popping off” because he expected his priestly position to protect him? No! Azariah spoke out because he knew that he had God’s full support.

Predictably, Uzziah flew into a rage when Azariah confronted him, but in the end it was Azariah, not Uzziah, who continued to stand in the Temple as God’s servant.

Are you a confident person? You gain confidence and courage when God gives you his approval and blessing as you do what he calls you to do, regardless of the risk.