NOT THAT!! Leviticus 10:3. Self-confidence, shallowness, pampering, and family privileges exceed those of others. Informed, careless, dressed for the part, holy garments on – given responsibilities more than others. Dull of hearing, self-assured, not willing to listen, “What’s the big deal” attitude – not caring for others. Okay: now it is your turn – do it God’s way. A short-cut, strange fire, incense-smelling – everything’s okay so far. The altar is glowing in its’ golden splendor – the hands reach up to place the incense on it. The brightness of another fire flashes in the tabernacle – fire from the Lord, and two bodies lie in death on the sandy ground. Two more carry them out, wrapped in their own clothes. Before the silent watching crowd, they take the corpses outside the camp, where the strangers and lepers are. Nadab and Abihu are dead – “I WILL SHOW MYSELF MOST HOLY!” [NIV]
Leave the wine, the strong drink of any kind, alone. You are priests – don’t touch it even if others do. You are called to offer – to worship – to enter God’s presence. Practice the presence of God at all times. You are different from others. This is a statute – a command – an ordinance – a precept. The anointing oil of the Lord is upon you. You belong to the Lord – not like others. They can do things you cannot do. They can get away with what you cannot. You are not your own. At the wedding – at the party – New Year’s Eve – No! Do not touch that! It is a statute throughout your generations. Others may think nothing of it, but you will die – separations – barriers will form. It’s not the material that matters - it’s you. Who you are matters here, and in this very issue. You are a priest before the Lord. You are part of the kingdom of priests. Do not drink lest you die – “I WILL SHOW MYSELF MOST HOLY!” [NIV]
Teach the children—yours, God’s, and those we try to influence—to enter the kingdom. There is a difference between holy and unholy. Holy means you are set apart for God; unholy means they are among others without separation. There is a difference between clean and unclean. A washing has taken place, and we are made clean by His blood. Unclean simply means they are in their natural state. They want to be their own god and stay as they are. They want me to be like them. They want me to do what they do and go where they go. They want me to be like everyone else—to follow their way. They do not want me to be different. Why do they not want to be like me? What’s wrong with me? What’s wrong with what I do? The Lord has spoken to me—and I listened. The Lord has spoken to others, but they haven’t listened to conscience, logic, truth, and God. Be godly like God: "I WILL SHOW MYSELF MOST HOLY!” [NIV]