Feb 9 2009 Lev 10-12, Acts 16

Scripture
And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire therein, and put incense thereon, and offered strange fire before the LORD, which he commanded them not. Leviticus 10:1

Observation
In Leviticus 8-10, we see that God provided a priest to help this new community understand the will of God, and to give them instruction. It was also his job to guide their confessions of sin through sacrifices and to proclaim God’s forgiveness. So we learn about Aaron, the brother of Moses, as he is ordained for this awesome task of becoming a priest for the people. And at every step we see how important it is to do what God asks. In chapter 8-10 there is one little phrase occurs 16 times. That phrase is “as the Lord commanded Moses.”

The Bible makes absolutely clear that they are following the instructions exactly as God gave them. That phrase is used again and again. And as a result, we read in 9:33 that the glory of the Lord appeared to all the people. When God’s people obey his word, they can expect to enjoy his blessing. But when people do not obey, the opposite is true. In chapter 10, we see that Aaron’s sons do something that was not commanded by the Lord and the fire of blessing was turned into a fire of punishment.

Application
When we disobey God we are playing with fire. God takes our relationship with him seriously. If we have promised to serve him faithfully, that is what he expects. Nothing less will do. To those who have been given much, much is required.

Because of what Jesus did on the cross, we who believe in Him are now able to do what only the priest could do in Aaron’s time. We can enter the sanctuary. We can draw near to God. As I was reading this story, I was thinking, “I’m sure glad I’m not a priest.” Then it hit me, as a member of the body of Christ, I am part of the royal priesthood. I am to live a holy life. I am responsible for discerning God’s will. And yes, I have a responsibility for others.

As we stand before a holy God, we have to ask ourselves if we have taken obedience to God seriously.

Prayer
Father, please help me to understand more of your holiness. Let me not forget that just because You are merciful and gracious, You are still holy