Strange Fire: Lessons from Nadab and Abihu
Brothers and sisters, today we turn to a sobering and powerful story from the book of Leviticus: the account of Nadab and Abihu. Their story, though tragic, holds profound lessons for us as we navigate our own spiritual journeys.
1. The Call to the Priesthood – A Privilege and a Responsibility
• Exodus 28:1 reminds us that Nadab and Abihu were chosen by God, alongside their father Aaron and brothers Eleazar and Ithamar, for the sacred office of the priesthood. This was a tremendous privilege, a direct invitation to serve the Almighty.
• God's calling is not merely an honor; it is a weighty responsibility. It demands commitment, dedication, and a deep reverence for the sacred.
• Today, we, as believers, are called to be a royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9). We are all called to sacred service. Let us approach this call with fear and reverence before God.
2. The Sin of Nadab and Abihu – Strange Fire
• Leviticus 10:1 tells us that Nadab and Abihu offered "strange fire" before the Lord, fire that He had not commanded. This was a direct act of disobedience.
• Partial obedience is disobedience. We cannot pick and choose which of God's commands we will follow.
• When we attempt to worship God on our own terms, according to our own preferences, we stray from His path. God sets clear principles for worship, and we must adhere to them.
3. Immediate Punishment – God is Holy and Just
• Leviticus 10:2 reveals the swift and severe consequence of their disobedience: "fire came out from the presence of the Lord and consumed them."
• God's holiness demands reverence. He will not tolerate irreverence in His service.
• In the New Testament, we are called to offer spiritual and true worship (John 4:24). This worship must be pure, unmixed with sin.
4. Respect for God's Order in Sacred Service
• Moses' words to Aaron in Leviticus 10:3, "I will be sanctified in those who come near me, and before all the people I will be glorified," underscore the importance of holiness in God's presence.
• We must approach God with fear and trembling, recognizing His absolute authority.
• Christian service is not a matter of casual performance; it requires diligent adherence to God's Word.
5. Aaron’s Silence – Acceptance of God’s Justice
• Aaron's silence in Leviticus 10:3 is a powerful example of submission to God's sovereign judgment.
• Even in the face of profound grief, Aaron recognized God's righteousness.
• In our own times of sorrow and difficulty, we must trust in God's perfect justice.
6. Teaching for Future Generations – An Example of Warning
• God's command to remove Nadab and Abihu's bodies from the sanctuary (Leviticus 10:4) served as a stark warning to the people.
• Their tragic end was a lesson, a reminder of the consequences of disobedience.
• We have a responsibility to teach the next generation the importance of fearing and obeying God.
7. The Warning Against Intoxication and Lack of Discernment
• Leviticus 10:9’s command against priests drinking wine or strong drink before entering the tent of meeting suggests that Nadab and Abihu’s judgement may have been impared.
• Intoxication can lead to a lack of discernment, which is dangerous when serving God.
• We must be vigilant and sober-minded in our service to the Lord.
8. The Priest’s Responsibility to Teach the People
• Leviticus 10:10 highlights the priest’s duty to distinguish between the holy and the common, the clean and the unclean.
• Nadab and Abihu failed in this responsibility, acting without discernment.
• We must teach and embody the principles of holiness, reflecting Christ’s light to the world.
9. The Partial Obedience of Aaron and His Remaining Sons
• Leviticus 10:16 shows that even after Nadab and Abihu's death, their brothers Eleazar and Ithamar erred in performing the rituals.
• God demands complete obedience, not partial compliance.
• Even those who have witnessed the consequences of disobedience must remain vigilant.
10. Nadab and Abihu’s Lesson for the Church Today
• John 4:24 reminds us that true worship is in spirit and in truth.
• The story of Nadab and Abihu teaches us the importance of worshipping God according to His will, not our own.
• "Strange fire" represents any practice that deviates from God's prescribed way. We must reject it and embrace true, reverent worship.
- Preaching on Cain and Abel: Conflict of Worship (Genesis 4:1-8)
- Preaching on Jacob: From Craftiness to Covenant
- Preaching on Isaac: A Testament to God's Faithfulness
Let us learn from the tragic example of Nadab and Abihu, and let us strive to serve God with unwavering obedience, reverence, and a sincere heart. Amen.
