Text:

Now Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, each took his censer and put fire in it and laid incense on it and offered unauthorized fire before the Lord, which he had not commanded them. And fire came out from before the Lord and consumed them, and they died before the Lord. Then Moses said to Aaron, “This is what the Lord has said: ‘Among those who are near me I will be sanctified, and before all the people I will be glorified.’” And Aaron held his peace (Leviticus 10:1-3).

Context, Context, Context: God’s priests are called to holiness. We’re to be reverential towards God. Presumptuousness and cavalier dispositions are damning.

Teaching: God is holy. He is not to be toyed with or mocked or minimized. Sinners scoff at God to their utter ruin. Yet God welcomes sinners who are broken over their sin and look to God’s grace in the person and work of Christ.

Nadab and Abihu presumed upon God’s grace. And it was fatal.

Encouragement: Whosoever will may come, but we must come in recognition that we are dressed in filthy rags. That’s what our works are. Then and only then will God clothe us in his robes of righteousness.