Relative Rightousness, Relatively Dead

REFERENCE: Leviticus 10:1-3 Aaron’s sons Nadab and Abihu put coals of fire in their incense burners and sprinkled incense over them. In this way, they disobeyed the Lord by burning before him the wrong kind of fire, different than he had commanded. 2 So fire blazed forth from the Lord’s presence and burned them up, and they died there before the Lord.  3 Then Moses said to Aaron, “This is what the Lord meant when he said, ‘I will display my holiness  through those who come near me. I will display my glory before all the people.’”  10 You must distinguish between what is sacred and what is common, between what is ceremonially unclean and what is clean.

OBSERVATION: This section of verses is a strong reminder to never take the presence of the Lord lightly. Many of us want to be those who are known for coming near to the Lord--we should, it is our right and our calling--but we must always be serious about it. Our God is a consuming fire. We want those around us to see the glory of God. How tragic if it would be seen in discipline against us for treating the presence of God with disdain. Thank God that our sins have been covered by the blood of Christ, yet we still must remember that God is as awesome and holy as He ever has been. He requires those who minister before Him to remember that.

CONFESSION/APPLICATION: God was requiring absolute righteousness from His priests. How often do I want to serve Him and His people while settling for a kind of relative righteousness (I'm better that most!!), or semi-righteousness (at least I do some things right). I will never be perfect--God will always be pointing out new areas that need to change, but I need to take seriously the requirements that go with my call. I can not allow myself to believe that I can casually enter into His presence and, casually entertain sin in my heart.

PRAYER: Lord, forgive me for the times that I have disobeyed you and hoped, expected that you would simply overlook it. You have called me to minister for/to you. I am privileged to do so. Give me the grace to embrace the righteous requirements of that call.