SCRIPTURE: Leviticus 10
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Do this and Live. That’s what the Master said.
The death of Aaron’s sons was a result that they went their own way and not God’s way. They were to be His representatives, His mediators, His priests, set apart for service.
And yet they went their own way and not His Way. That leads to death. And as leaders appointed by God for service, they gave the people the wrong message. It is not what our hands can do, but His!
And so also today, as God’s child, a Kingdom kid, I too must serve Him as He has told me for Kingdom service. Not my will, but His will be done. I too am a priest appointed for service and others must see Christ Jesus in me. I need to honor His name in all I do and say.
I serve a risen Savior, he’s in the world today;
I know that he is living whatever men may say;
I see his hand of mercy; I hear his voice of cheer,
And just the time I need him, he’s always near.
Chorus:
He lives, he lives, Christ Jesus lives today!
He walks with me and talks with me
Along life’s narrow way.
He lives, he lives, salvation to impart!
You ask my how I know he lives?
He lives within my heart.
Rejoice, rejoice, O Christian,
Lift up your voice and sing.
Eternal hallelujahs to Jesus Christ the king!
The hope of all who seek him,
The help of all who find,
None other is so loving, so good and kind.