Bible Pathway - Feb. 4, 2012
Read Leviticus 9
Highlights:
What happens to two of Aaron's sons because of strange fire? And what is the difference between holy and unholy, and between unclean and clean (Lev. 10:10-11)? Discover the difference between "holy" fire and "hell" fire. It is of utmost importance that we carefully read today's Scriptures. You will discover why God demands that we be holy.
And Nadab and Abihu . . . offered strange fire before the Lord, which He commanded them not. And there went out fire from the Lord, and devoured them, and they died before the Lord (Lev 10:1-2).
Some time after being consecrated as priests, Nadab and Abihu took fire for Altar sacrifice as if it did not matter where it came from or how it was administered.
What a fearful story — Nadab and Abihu were struck dead while working for the Lord! The strange fire (10:1) is intentionally left unexplained because the act was not as important as the principle that was violated. These two sons of Aaron were serving at the Altar, but they failed to recognize the supreme importance of knowing the Word of God and His authority in the way they were to worship. Whatever they did wrong, it robbed God of the honor due Him and focused attention upon themselves.
The uninformed observer would not discern the difference between acceptably serving God and offering strange fire; but acceptable worship must be according to divine command. These two prominent religious leaders ignored God by substituting their "good works" for the will of God, which meant death — spiritually and physically. When a person insists on doing something that is in opposition to the Word of God, he immediately brings the judgment of God upon himself.
We do not actually offer strange fire in our worship services today, but it is possible for Christians to neglect the study of the Word of God which can result in numerous things being substituted for true worship.
For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness. . . . Because that, when they knew God, they glorified Him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools. . . . Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen (Rom. 1:18,21-22,25).
Thought for Today:
To the Law and to the Testimony: if they speak not according to this Word, it is because there is no light in them (Is. 8:20).
Christ Revealed:
Through the sacrifice of a lamb without defect (Lev. 9:3). Behold the Lamb of God, which (who) taketh away the sin of the world (John 1:29).
Word Studies:
9:21 wave offering, special offering lifted high above the priest's head before the Lord; 10:3 sanctified, treated as holy; will be glorified, must be given honor; 10:6 rend, tear; bewail, express sorrow; 10:13 thy due, your share, yours legally; 10:19 befallen, happened to.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Government Official: Rep. Sanford Bishop (GA) • Country: Qatar (600,000) in southwestern Asia • Major languages: Arabic and English • Muslim conversion to Christ is forbidden, but expatriate Christians are allowed to meet informally • 79.5% Muslim; 10.5% Christian; 7.2% Hindu; 1.8% Buddhist; .9% non-Religious/Other • Prayer Suggestion: Pray for boldness to tell others about the Lord (Acts 4:29).
Optional Reading: Mark 7
Memory Verse for the Week: John 3:18
