“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 be proved holy; in the sight of all the people I will be honored.’” Aaron remained silent.” Leviticus 10:1-3 NLT
“Then the Lord said to Aaron, 9 “You and your sons are not to drink wine or other fermented drink whenever you go into the tent of meeting, or you will die. This is a lasting ordinance for the generations to come, 10 so that you can distinguish between the holy and the common, between the unclean and the clean, 11 and so you can teach the Israelites all the decrees the Lord has given them through Moses.”” Leviticus 10:8-11 NLT
Lord God,
Sadly Nadab did not warn Abihu and Abihu did not warn Nadab that they were not sticking to the prescribed commands for offerings. And no sheep or sacrifice could save them. They passed the point of no return and went into Your presence Lord God as if they could appease You. A somber warning that we should not take Jesus and our salvation for granted. Every time we come to the Lord to worship together of when at home alone, we can only come to You because of Jesus. We can do nothing of ourselves.
Five verses later we hear You telling Aaron that he and his remaining sons should be absolutely sober when serving You so they can distinguish what they are doing clearly. I wonder if Nadab and Abihu were not and that was why they messed up? Sober when worshipping, or serving You Lord? Respecting You. But then it is not the glass of wine that is the sin it is our behaviour and knowing our limits?
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship 23rd February 2025
Purify my heart, let me be as gold
And precious silver
Purify my heart, let me be as gold
Pure gold
Refiner’s fire, my heart’s one desire
Is to be holy
Set apart for you Lord
I choose to be holy
Set apart for You my Master
Ready to do Your will
Purify my heart, cleanse me from within
And make me holy
Purify my heart, cleanse me from my sin
Deep within
Chorus
Lyrics: Brian Doerksen