Strange Fire: Part 1

Very few people know about the story of Nadab and Abihu in the Bible. This is because the book of Leviticus is voted one of the least read books when it comes to non-Jewish people, but Christians alike. This is very sad but true. When was the last time your pastor taught from this book? What about any church you’ve attended? The answer is most likely never. This is not the case here, and that is why this story is given and discussed today. It reads, “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. And there went out fire from the Lord, and devoured them, and they died before the Lord. Then Moses said unto Aaron, This is it that the Lord spake, saying, I will be sanctified in them that come nigh me, and before all the people I will be glorified. And Aaron held his peace.” (Leviticus 10:1-3)

We learn about a censer, which Catholics would say is a thurible. A device where fire can be added along with incense. This causes smoke to come from this device as it sits or as priests walk with it in their hands. However, this type of fire was not approved of in God’s sight. I am not saying that what Catholics do is also wrong, but what they do with incense is eerily similar to what these two men did. Therefore, it is important that we offer sacrifices unto God that He would approve of and not what we think is important. God takes sacrifices made for Him very seriously, along with our worship. What we do for God, including our worship, should never be taken lightly. Not acting in a holy way, while His lacking sanctification could mean God’s wrath falling upon us also. God is holy and what we do for Him needs to be in reverence. So what we do for God is a serious matter. Let us remember this as we learn to obey the Lord daily. Amen.

Let us pray:
Oh Lord, I pray that You will guide me and my brothers and sisters by the hand.  May we offer up our lives in a way that pleases You.  If I ever do anything that causes the Spirit to grieve bring it to my attention immediately, that I might stop.  If there is any sin in my life now that I have not confessed and forsaken, remove it from me now.  As I go forth and declare Your gospel to the world, help me to also live in Your holiness.  In everything I do, I pray that You will be the one leading me and not myself.  Where sin prevails also comes plenty of mistakes, plus no real soul winning.  Any person can build up a following because of their songs, videos, writings, and more, but to do so without leading them to You is a travesty.  You deserve the glory and never ourselves.  If I am not humble in Your sight, humble me now.  I will walk by faith and not what I can do on my own.  I love You, Lord.  Give me wisdom and I will listen and obey.  Amen.

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