Leviticus 10 CARELESS INDIFFERENCE Something terribly serious has happened. In my mind I can see the people who fell facedown in their joy and respect for God when fire came and consumed the burnt offering on the altar, are now a state of fear because the fire of God came again and consumed two priests. Whatever happened? Weren't they dressed properly? Yes, that was all right. But rather than going to the altar where the burnt offering was constantly burning, they got fire for their censers from another source. The cross-work of Christ on Calvary is the only way of approach to God. Even though many resist this fact today and change scriptural practices to their own way to suit the wishes of the people and to be more attractive, any other way people try is wrong. When Nadab and Abihu put the holy oil into the profane fire, that sacrilege brought judgment from God. Mixing right and wrong makes the whole thing wrong. Those two priests had just been taught what was right, and yet did a holy thing their own way. Was what they did, blatant disregard for what God had said was the thing to do? Or was it human effort to make things go smoothly in the service of God? Was it a short-cut to save some steps? Whatever was behind their actions, the consequences were the same. We are always to do God's things in God's way. Any other way was an act of disrespect to God, and in the case of worship, an insult to the sacrifice of Christ made on the cross at Calvary. He provided what was required. To add anything to what He did is careless disregard for what God had done.
The people looking on as the consuming fire took those two men, would have had a lesson that God is holy, and is not going to allow wrong to be done, even if one is a spiritual leader. Sacrifices to God are important and are never to be done carelessly or with an indifferent attitude. Whether it be the sacrifice of praise, of thanksgiving, of gifts or even a contrite heart - it is never to be a careless exercise without proper consideration as to what we are doing. Two relatives took away the remains of the burned priests in their coats before the stunned audience of thousands. That scene would have been indelibly impressed on their minds, "I can't take anything God says or wants done in a careless or indifferent way. I must do things His way - or else!"
When some identifying event happens, whether it seems to me good or bad, I must not let it detract me from my service for God and my obligations to God's people. Aaron and the two sons who were left were to continue on with their priestly duties unhindered. They were not to take off their bonnets lest their hair was mussed up and disheveled. That dignity and respect for their office and work was never to be demeaned for any reason. Their clothes were not to be torn in their anguish nor were they to show evidence of mourning for their two careless brothers. All of Israel could mourn for the dead priests but these who had been given holy responsibilities by the Lord could not let anything deter them from their work. When I have been given a work for God, it is not up to me as to whether I take it or leave it. And it is not up to me when I quit the work. A priest, or any servant of the Lord is under divine authority. Others are influenced by any decisions or actions I take. It is not my privilege to act independently of what God reveals to be right.
It can become quite easy to grow careless and indifferent about anything - even about obeying God. One way is not just as good as another. God has His own reasons for having things done in the way He commands. I may not know His reasons, but when I know what He says and wants, that is enough to keep me faithful to Him and His Word. If Nadab and Abihu had been drinking wine before they went about their work for God, that in itself could have influenced their bad judgment. There has to be a distinction between that which is holy and that which is common. Because "everybody does it," or "it is socially acceptable," does not change the fact that everything about one who is a priest or any worshipper of God has to be holy always. One does not become a part of the priesthood of believers only when we come together at the Lord's Supper, at a teaching meeting or when the Gospel is preached. The role of a priest is a life work with an appropriate life style expected of us. Drinking wine would disqualify one from teaching about self- discipline and holiness of life before the world. Drinking wine is associated with worldly practices and those who worship God in spirit and truth are to be distinctly different from those who do things their own way. That is why we are to "come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord."
Another lesson had to be learned that day by those involved in priestly ministry. Apparently, the remaining sons, Eleazar and Ithamar were afraid because of what had happened to their brothers. Instead of eating what they were supposed to eat in the designated place, they didn't feel like eating and so put it on the altar to be burned. They did not realize that what belongs to us cannot be compared to what belongs to God. And more then that, the altar is not a place for our leftovers. To think when I am done with a thing so I will give it to God when I am finished with it is carelessness and indifference of the worst kind. If it is new, it is good for me, but when I am done with it, I will give it to God, is an attitude that is quite prevalent - and is an insult. To give God the last of my life, of my assets, the last of my strength must be a great disappointment to the One who gave His all for me.
No wonder Moses was upset! They were making mistakes without thinking. In every act, and in every decision I make, I need to consider if this is consistent with what I know to be the will of God. Aaron made an excuse for his sons because of the effect of the events of the day, but this did not make their actions right. It is true there may be extenuating circumstances that arise from time to time that affects our actions, but that does not change the principles of right and wrong. That is the purpose of laws. "By the law is the knowledge of sin." Guidelines and principles that were taught by the law were to keep holy things from being common, clean things from being unclean and to clearly define right from wrong.
Some days in the course of our lives stand out above the others. It may be a time of joy, or a day when truth, sin uncovers. To let such times come and go without learning, could be a waste. Lessons taught and forgotten as unimportant need to be relearned in haste.
A shake of the head or a nod of assent does not mean a lesson is learned. To teach God's people the seriousness of worship, two priests were burned. Surely the fright they got and the fear that followed when they came to God, Would make the priests and those who followed, review the words of the Lord.
It is no small thing to approach to God in the power of Jesus' name.
There was a careless indifference apparently in two priests when they came To offer incense on the golden altar, so before they even got there - They died, reminding us of the need of holiness whenever we draw near.
We may think it is just another meeting, we will get there if we can. But that attitude brings holy things down to where they're only works of men. The worship of God is the highest form of service to Him we can render. True worship is only possible when our consciences and hearts are tender.
The mistakes of others are written so that we may take to heart - What is God's purpose in us coming there, and how we can best take part. Some in silence give a full account and can go farther in their minds - Than those who speak out loud and appropriate words are hard to find.
What is not known or seen by men is before God fully displayed. The offerings of praise and worship in God's way are to be made. To do things in our own way, usurps the authority that's only His. When scripturally we approach God, there is value in our worship and praise.
"I thank Thee Father, for the warnings in Thy Word. My prayer today is that I will never be indifferent to Thy ways in any aspect of my life. In service may I be devoted. In worship may I be scriptural. In praise may I be wholehearted. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen."