Father and King
Aaron’s sons Nadab and Abihu took their censers, put fire in them and added incense; and they offered unauthorized fire before the Lord, contrary to his command. 2 So fire came out from the presence of the Lord and consumed them, and they died before the Lord.
Leviticus 10:1-2
One of the realities of the time we live in, is that people don’t mean what they say. Take parents for instance. How often do parents threaten their kids with a punishment that they are never going to follow through on?
“If you do that again, I’m going to kick you out of the car and you can walk home”.
There’s a danger to this sort of communication. Which is that you aren’t taken seriously. And I reckon ultimately, people who do this enough end up diminished in the eyes of their children.
God is not that parent. When he commands something. He means it. As Nadab and Abihu and the rest of Israel find out. When God gives instructions on how to engage with the tabernacle. He means it.
Now, why so serious Lord? Can’t you let them get away with being a bit naughty. Well, no. Because God’s name is at stake. God is love. He is a God of mercy and grace. But that doesn’t mean you can deliberately poke the bear and expect to be safe. God is a consuming fire.
Now, what does this mean today? Well, Peter says, Since you call on a Father who judges each person’s work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear.
That’s how we should see God. As our Father, yes. As someone who loves us, yes. But also, as a God-King who is not to be toyed with.
What’s the action point? Worship God as he commands. In reverent fear. He is not a puppy or a human parent. He’s God.
Today:
Pray:
Leviticus 10:1-2
One of the realities of the time we live in, is that people don’t mean what they say. Take parents for instance. How often do parents threaten their kids with a punishment that they are never going to follow through on?
“If you do that again, I’m going to kick you out of the car and you can walk home”.
There’s a danger to this sort of communication. Which is that you aren’t taken seriously. And I reckon ultimately, people who do this enough end up diminished in the eyes of their children.
God is not that parent. When he commands something. He means it. As Nadab and Abihu and the rest of Israel find out. When God gives instructions on how to engage with the tabernacle. He means it.
Now, why so serious Lord? Can’t you let them get away with being a bit naughty. Well, no. Because God’s name is at stake. God is love. He is a God of mercy and grace. But that doesn’t mean you can deliberately poke the bear and expect to be safe. God is a consuming fire.
Now, what does this mean today? Well, Peter says, Since you call on a Father who judges each person’s work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear.
That’s how we should see God. As our Father, yes. As someone who loves us, yes. But also, as a God-King who is not to be toyed with.
What’s the action point? Worship God as he commands. In reverent fear. He is not a puppy or a human parent. He’s God.
Today:
- How do you view God?
- What do you think it means to worship God the way he commands?
- Ask forgiveness for the times you haven’t worshipped him the way you should.
Pray:
- Praise the Father that he is true to his promises.
- Give thanks for Jesus who shows us the mercy of God.
- Ask God for His Holy Spirit to help you and others worship God wholeheartedly.
Posted in Leviticus
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