SCRIPTURE: Leviticus 10
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
1. When the disciples James and John saw this, they asked, ‘Lord, do you want us to call fire down from heaven to destroy them?’ But Jesus turned and rebuked them, and they went to another village. [Luke 9:54-56] James and John are upset because the Samaritans did not welcome Jesus. But Jesus is upset with James and John because they want to unleash the fire of judgment against the Samaritans. Unholy fire.
2. Nadab and Abihu were not just innocent victims of God’s uncontrollable rage. After all the emphasis on exercising great care, giving serious leadership in regards to the sacrificial symbols, apparently they did not take it that seriously. Its possible, based on the context (vv.8-11) that his sons were drunk at the time.
3. Unholy fire is when a person abuses their position in reckless or cruel ways. Nadab and Abihu, James and John, both were in privileged positions in relation to the Lord, but their hearts were not in line with His heart. As representatives of the Lord, we must use our positions with seriousness, humility and grace. When people see us, they see the Lord.
4. How many God-appointed leaders have abused their positions, taken lightly what should have been taken seriously and been excessive where they should have been gracious. How often have we seen in history God’s appointed representatives being cruel, unjust, violent or indifferent to the needs of the weak and helpless. This is also how Jesus was ultimately crucified. One day there will be hell to pay.
5. These passages remind us that there is a greater responsibility for those of us who give leadership in the Jesus community. We need to align our heart with His heart, take seriously what He takes seriously, and be gracious as He is gracious. We will one day have to give an account.
6. Today I will review my ordination commitments, as a reminder to me of the promises I made when I was ordained as a pastor.
PRAYER:
Lord, You have called me to serve as a pastor, to mobilize Your people for Your mission. Show me where I need to take this more seriously.
The command of – Do this and live – is for all or God’s people, especially for His leaders. Nadab and Abihu were living examples of how to live in His presence. While the people were worshipping, they were going their own way and not the Lord’s way. They were going contrary to the word of the Lord since they were drunk and puffed up of their role. Even the tribe set aside to serve the Lord in a very special way, as God’s people were also set aside in a very special way, were not perfect, nor were they sheltered from His wrath.
All of God’s people are special and need to be living witnesses of Him in their living for Jesus. I need to live according to His Word. As a Christian, I need to be a living letter since I am read by all the people around me. I need to live each day as a day of our Lord, doing what He asks of me. I am in His presence always and need wholey(holy) unto Him in all I do and say. This is true not only for people in authority but for all of God’s people since they all be priests and prophets and kings through His blood.
Lord, Lead me and gide me ths day in my service to You in all I do and say.
Grace and truth shall mark the way
Where the Lord His own will lead,
If His Word they still obey
And His testimonies heed.
For Thy Name’s sake hear Thou me,
For Thy mercy, Lord, I wait;
Pardon my iniquity,
For my sin is very great.
He who walks in godly fear
In the path of truth shall go;
Peace shall be his portion here,
And his sons all good shall know.