Read Leviticus 9
Highlights:
We begin with "strange" fire! What is the difference between holy and unholy; clean and unclean (Lev. 10:10-11). Discover why God demands that we be holy.
Nadab and Abihu were sons of Aaron, the high priest. They were appointed to serve as priests, assisting him in conducting sacrifices and worship service. It appears that some time after being consecrated as priests, they took fire for altar sacrifice as if it did not make much difference where it came from or how it was administered. They failed to recognize the importance of obedience to the authority of the Word of God. Nadab and Abihu . . . offered strange fire before the Lord. . . . And there went out fire from the Lord, and devoured them, and they died before the Lord (Lev. 10:1-2).
What a fearful report of Nadab and Abihu who were struck dead while "serving the Lord." God had chosen Aaron to be the first high priest and the anointing oil was poured upon his head as a sign of consecration. That ye may put (a) difference between holy and unholy, and between unclean and clean; And that ye may teach the children of Israel all the Statutes which the Lord hath spoken unto them by the hand of Moses (10:10-11).
We are commanded: As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: But as He which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation (conduct); Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy (I Pet. 1:14-16).
God has also said that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love (Eph. 1:4).
How often zeal for God and activities are mixed by showing a proud spirit and seeking personal recognition. Christians are often willing to do the will of God when it happens to coincide with their desires to get attention. Such people enjoy the recognition and opportunity to display "their" abilities. Mixed motives and pride are great hindrances to humility. The basic principle of a successful life is for us to recognize that we are nothing in ourselves, as Jesus said: As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in Me. . . . Without Me, ye can do nothing (of eternal value). If a man abide not in Me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and . . . burned (John 15:4-6). Christ alone must be exalted.
Let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: For our God is a consuming fire (Heb. 12:28-29).
Thought for Today:
Let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God (II Cor. 7:1).
Christ Revealed:
Through the sacrifice of a lamb without blemish (Lev. 9:3). Behold the Lamb of God, which (who) taketh away the sin of the world (John 1:29).
Word Studies:
10:3 glorified highly honored; 10:10 holy and unholy sacred and profane; 10:13 thy due legally; 10:14 heave (lift up before the Lord) shoulder high.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Radio Broadcasts sponsored by Lt. Col. and Mrs. Walter W. Swanson • Government Official: Rep. Sanford Bishop (GA) • Country: St. Kitts-Nevis (42,000) in the Leeward Islands of the West Indies • Major language: English • Religious freedom • 74% Protestant; 7% Roman Catholic • Prayer Suggestion: Realize that your life is in the hands of God, and ask Him to deliver you from all evil (Luke 11:4).
Optional Reading: Mark 7
Memory Verse for the Week: Hosea 4:6