Leviticus 10

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Leviticus 10:1-2, Aaron’s sons Nadab and Abihu took their censers, put fire in them and added incense; and they offered unauthorized fire before the Lord, contrary to his command.  So fire came out from the presence of the Lord and consumed them, and they died before the Lord. 

We have abruptly moved from joy to horror.  Up until this point, everything has been done just as the Lord commanded.  But here, we find two of Aaron's sons bring unauthorized fire before the Lord.  What does this mean?  Most likely, they brought fire from an unholy place outside the sanctuary and then presented it before the Lord.  Maybe they had the attitude that fire is fire.  Who cares?  I think we should mention that their behavior wasn't simply a slip-up; this wasn't an accident but an intentional disregard for what God commanded.  It demonstrated irreverence before a holy God, possibly like a Christian pastor adding some kind of cult ritual to a service of communion.   

As Christians, we like to worship God with gladness and joy; he is Abba Father, daddy, we are comfortable with him.  All of this is wonderful.  But we also have to remember that he is still holy God.  He is powerful, he has all authority on heaven and earth, he is the God of all.  Thanks to Jesus, we get to have a relationship with holy God.  We get to walk hand in hand with him.  At the same time, how important it is for us to remember that God's holiness is real.  There always needs to be some level of reverence, deep respect for the God who was and is and is to come, the God who deserves our utmost worship, veneration, and awe.   

Let's pray...God, you are holy and deserving of all our praise.  Help us to sit comfortably in your presence while also remembering your holiness.  How amazing it is that we, as sinful, messed up people, can do life with you.  In all we do, in all we are, help us reflect you more.  In Jesus' Name, Amen.