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Read: Leviticus 10:1-11                                      The Beauty of Holiness


   In our reading today, Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron offered to God a sacrifice which God had not commanded them. He responded in anger and a fire devoured them. Moses explained to Aaron that God was showing that He was really serious about what He had told them earlier. “This is it that the LORD spake, saying, I will be sanctified in them that come nigh me, and before all the people I will be glorified.” Lev.10:3

    Aaron’s and his sons had been consecrated and set apart to serve God. That meant, to do everything according as He commanded them. They had shown disregard for Gods word by offering the sacrifice, it was almost like saying, “We can do anything we like”. The consequences were dire. Throughout scripture God has shown us that there is to be a difference, between what is holy and that which is profane. God is always looking for that difference which marks His children. “For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him.” 2Chr.16:9

   Much importance was given as to the kind of sacrifices to be brought before God and the way in which they were to be offered. God went into great length to show us throughout scripture that what we bring before Him must be holy. What makes it holy is when it is in obedience to His word .That makes it acceptable to Him. The sons of Aaron didn’t offer the wrong ingredient in the sacrifice, what was wrong was, they did something they were not supposed to do. Our works of service may be good things but if God has not asked of us to do them they become to Him an unacceptable sacrifice. God will respond with fire to consume what is not of Him.  “Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.” 1Cor.3:13

   We, as believers are a royal priesthood. “Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ”. 1 Pet.2:5 Many works of service are being done for God in our days, whatever is not of God and not according as He has asked of us to do is an unacceptable sacrifice. In fact it is an abomination. With such sacrifices God is not pleased. It is important we discern carefully what it is we are offering to God under the umbrella of “serving God”. Some serve God to serve their own interests; they decide what they will do by asking “What is in it for me?. On the other hand the one who truly serves Gods interests will ask, “What is in it for God. God himself looks for this.

   When we seek first Gods kingdom and His righteousness he adds to us, when we serve our own interests we lose even what we have.  We see this in the account of King Saul who made a sacrifice unto God which he was not supposed to do.( 1Samuel 15 ) Saul reacted out of fear and did what was wrong. What he did was totally unacceptable to God and resulted his losing the throne and the Spirit of the Lord left him. (1 Sam.16:14) We need to ask ourselves, “What motivates us to do what we do?” “Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.”1 Sam.15:22

    “O worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness: fear before him, all the earth.” Ps.96:9 When we do the things that please God, that service becomes worship It is a truly acceptable sacrifice and a fragrant offering before Him, God is well pleased with such worship. May we be among those who truly worship God.

John 4:23