King Uzziah was one of Israel’s most successful and beloved kings…until he started to believe his own press clippings. When Uzziah became proud from all his success and fame, his spirit of entitlement led him to be disobedient and unfaithful to God. And when confronted with his sin, instead of humbling himself and owning his wrongdoing, Uzziah chose to power up rather than repent…and lost everything. God can forgive anything…except sin for which we have failed to repent.
Social Distancing is a good strategy for flattening the curve of the Corona virus, but it is a lousy condition for a person's spiritual life -- especially when the distance is between you and God. Jesus takes the initiative to close any distance between Him and us as evidenced by His delaying His return to the Father in Heaven to comfort Mary Magdalene with His presence immediately after being raised from the dead. Jesus death on the cross not only cleansed us from sin, but gave us access to God the Father as sons and daughters. We now have the same power and authority as Jesus when we ask in His name.
This week's Application: With this upgraded relationship with God since Jesus went to the cross, we are to serve and give of ourselves like He did. Simple acts of service the demonstrate the love of Jesus, that communicate care and comfort to those who are anxious and in need is the way we represent Jesus to those around us. Look for simple ways to love and serve those around you this week -- run an errand, buy some groceries, send a note of encouragement -- the list is endless. Make yourself available to meet the need of someone else in your life this week.
