High-Priest on the Throne

In the Old Testament God worked through 3 offices

Prophet: Spoke the Words of God

Priest: Did the Ministry of God

King: Led the People of God

Moses was a Prophet and Priest

Saul was a King and Prophet

Jeremiah was a Priest and Prophet

However, In all of the Old Testament there was never a King who was worthy to minister as a priest in the temple of God

The main reason is that all priests must be part of the tribe of Levi

The second reason is that Kings are the leader of the military and are sent out to war and therefore have blood on their hands

Uzziah was not worthy

His mother was from Jerusalem which means she was of the tribe of Judah (3)

God gave him great success and he went out and warred against the philistines (4-15)

Because of these two things he was not worthy to do the ministry of the temple. However, he became proud just like his father and trangressed against the Lord

Uzziah’s great sin

His heart was lifted up

This means that he has become prideful in his position as king

He thought he did not need a priest but could go before God alone and offer incense

God had blessed him now he wants to bless God

But the priests urge him that God will not honor him in this

The curse of God on Uzziah

We have talked about leprosy before, this is a desiese that only God can heal

God has used this before to curse those who take upon themselves to great a place of honor

Numbers 12- the curse of leprosy on Miriam

2 Kings 5:20-27 Gehazi becomes cursed with leprosy

Why Leprosy

Lepers were not allowed in the community or temple

Leviticus 13:45-46 Unclean

Jesus is worthy

He descends from God as the true High-Priest after the order of Melchisidek

Hebrews 5:1-10 Jesus the Priest

He understands our humanity (2)

He did not take it upon himself as Uzziah did but was called of God to do this work (4-6)

His prayers were answered (7)

He learned humility and became perfect

He did not come to war and destroy but to love and help