Leviticus 10:1 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.
When I read the beginning of this chapter, my first thought was that I am so glad that we CAN approach God on our own because of Jesus’s sacrifice. But commentary gave me pause with the comment: “Whatever their exact motivation, it wasn’t holiness unto the LORD.”
Leviticus 10:2 So fire came out from the presence of the LORD and consumed them, and they died before the LORD.
Yes, we can approach God without the aid of intercessors, but the purpose must be to glorify God, to draw closer to Him. You might wonder what other purpose there could be, or like me, you might instantly be put in mind of people who try to use God as a weapon, people who try to put God in their back pocket, people who claim intimate knowledge of the mind of God and condemn and judge in His name because of it. Glory to God does not come from such behavior.
Leviticus 10:3a And Moses said to Aaron, “This is what the LORD spoke, saying: ‘By those who come near Me I must be regarded as holy; And before all the people I must be glorified.’”
Lord, Thank You for this day, for this scripture, for this reminder that we CAN come to You but that our hearts must be in the right place, our purpose must be pure—we must regard You as holy and seek to glorify You. Draw us closer. Help us shine Your light. Amen.
Leviticus 10:3b So Aaron held his peace.
Have a blessed day.
My faith, my life, my teaching–it's all a work in progress.