Title: From Victory To Tragedy / Topic: Presumption

Today’s Reading: Leviticus 10; Leviticus 11; Leviticus 12; Acts 16

Scripture: Leviticus 10:1-3
1 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. 2 So fire came out from the presence of the LORD and consumed them, and they died before the LORD. 3 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.' "
Aaron remained silent.

Observation: This is how the first day of Aaron's ministry ended: with the death of his two eldest sons consumed by fire "from the presence of the Lord." Just moments before this catastrophe, the Lord had sent down fire and consumed the offering from the altar, which had this result: "When all the people saw it, they shouted for joy and fell facedown." (Lev. 10:24) It is at this moment that Aaron's sons, Nadab and Abihu, made a fateful decision to do some "freestyle or improvisational" worship. They grabbed their censers (incense containers) and threw some incense in and, lighting it, offered this before the Lord. Whether they were just caught up in the moment and wanting to worship God, or whether they were just grandstanding, we don't know. But what is clear is that this act was contrary to what they had been instructed to do and because of it, they died.

Application: I think of Aaron going in mere moments from the pinnacle of ecstasy as God shows up in power to validate his ministry to the pit of agony at God shows up in power to kill his sons for their departure from the protocol. This is a truly devastating emotional hit! What is the lesson of this sobering incident? It is that there is no place for presumption on the part of those who represent God. We are not freelancers, exercising our own tastes. We are ambassadors conveying the directives of the King.

Prayer: Lord, help us to honor you and never to approach ministry with casual or carefree attitudes. Remind us, Lord, that while we can be joyful and jubilant, we must remain reverent and respectful for you, our God, are an awesome God.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.