LESSONS FROM STRANGE FIRE

We’re told in Romans 15:4 there are many lessons we can learn from study of the Old Testament:  “For whatever things are written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.”  One such story to learn from is that of Nadab and Abihu, the oldest sons of Aaron.

From Exodus 29 and Numbers 3:2-3, we learn they are priests, and had been instructed in the Lord’s expectations of them.  However, we learn in both Leviticus 10:1 and Numbers 3:4 they “offered profane fire before the Lord” and ultimately lost their lives (Lev. 10:2; Num. 3:4).  Though we don’t know exactly what this “profane” (strange, unauthorized) fire was, we do know that it was not what God commanded and resulted in severe consequences.

What can we learn from this incident?  A couple of things come quickly to mind.  When the Lord instructs us to do something, whether through command or example, we need to heed what He says.  If we love the Lord, truly love Him, we will keep His commandments (Jn. 14:15, 21, 23).  So, we have no right to change things to appease our own wants or desires.  Secondly, there will be consequences for not doing things the way the Lord expects or commands.  We are expected to “serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear” (Heb. 12:28), for one day “we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ” and “give account of himself to God” (Rom. 14:10, 12). 

If we haven’t listened to and done things according to the will of God, it will be “a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God” (Heb. 10:31).  Therefore, may we listen to Paul’s words to the saints in Rome:  “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable (or spiritual – KJV) service.  And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (Rom. 12:1-2).