“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. Moses then said to Aaron, “This is what the LORD spoke of when he said: ‘Among those who approach me I will show myself holy; in the sight of all the people I will be honored.’” (Lev. 10:1-3)
Such a sad story. Aaron’s sons were honored above all others in Israel, yet they thought they knew better then anyone else, including God. But using the wrong fire seems like such a small thing . . . Why did God get so excited about them carrying out the ceremony with the wrong fire?
We have already seen throughout the study of the books of Moses that God was VERY particular about how He was to be worshiped. He was also VERY concerned that the people learn to trust Him in all things, and that they learn the importance of obedience. The book of Deuteronomy contains numerous warnings about keeping God’s laws (Deut. 4:2, 4:40, 5:29, 5:31, etc.). God knew that His protection and blessings could only come over the people if they kept His commands. I believe that when Nabad and Abihu disobeyed, God was far more concerned about teaching the people the importance of obedience then He was about which fire was to be used!
Let’s also not forget that Nadab and Abihu were priests, leaders of God’s people. The book of Isaiah warns us to: “Depart, depart, go out from there! Touch no unclean thing! Come out from it and be pure, you who carry the vessels of the LORD.” (Isa 52:10-11). Likewise, the world’s wisest man warned: “He who leads the upright along an evil path will fall into his own trap . . .” (Prov 28:10-11). In other words, the leaders of God’s people are judged more harshly than others. When we are called into leadership positions, we take on a great responsibility. We must be perfect and upright examples to those we are leading. We must live a life of obedience to God, or we risk giving the message to others that obedience isn’t important!
Come out from it and be pure, you who carry the vessels of the LORD!
In His love,
Lyn
Lyn Chaffart, Moderator, The Nugget, Scriptural Nuggets ( www.scripturalnuggets.org ), Answers2Prayer Ministries, www.Answers2Prayer.org