Above the Rules?
4/8/26 Bible Thought (2 Kings 15)
Main Idea: Every earthly ruler is a subject of the world’s true Sovereign.
A Look at the Text:
As we open a slightly longer chapter today, we see a tumultuous time in Israel, whereas things in Judah were relatively stable. We are first introduced to Azariah (Uzziah), who would go on to reign over Judah for 52 years. During his lengthy reign, six different kings reigned in Israel from four different families—a stark contrast to the lasting dynasty of David in Judah.
Overall, Uzziah’s reign was good. He served God, and his long-standing time as king was certainly a result of God’s blessing. It was a time of stability for the Judeans in contrast to the repeated assassinations and upheavals in Israel.
However, Uzziah, at the peak of his reign, came down with leprosy. How so? The Chronicler provides the answer:
But when he was strong, he grew proud, to his destruction. For he was unfaithful to the Lord his God and entered the temple of the Lord to burn incense on the altar of incense (2 Chr. 26:16).
Due to his prosperity, he forgot that he was still under authority. Although a king, he wasn’t allowed to function in the role of a priest. God had set up very specific guidelines in His law that even the kings of the land were subjected to.
Hence, when God originally acquiesced to the requests of the Israelites who demanded a king, he told Samuel to anoint Saul as prince, not king (see 1 Sam. 9:16). Though from an earthly standpoint he was functionally the king of Israel, he was actually second-in-command to the Lord of Hosts.
Even the greatest king is still a subject of the world’s true Sovereign. No one is beyond His law.
Bringing it Home:
It is a common problem for people of position or influence to think they are beyond the rules. To this, the fact that there is a God who stands above His creation is a constant reminder that we are all subjects of a higher authority. No one is above His law and entitled to break it at their will.
We are all subjects of a higher authority.
He is the Lawmaker. He is the Judge. He is the One to whom everyone must give their allegiance. No earthly power has the right to reject His ways in favor of their own. He is the final authority, and that will never change.
Pride will say that the law is for other people. Humility will submit to God’s law as His servant, acknowledging that His way is best.
Challenge:
Do I ever think that I am above the rules?