Nadab and Abihu are consumed by the fire of the Lord after they offer up ‘strange fire’ in the Temple. They were being careless and were possibly under the influence of alcohol. This showed that they lacked reverence for the Lord and His commands. After they were killed, no doubt a holy reverence was upon all the people. Even Aaron feared the Lord to such an extent that he did not offer one of the following sacrifices to its perfect completion.

I can’t help but wonder whether or not the Church is weak today in large part because her vision of God does not include scenes such as the one in Leviticus 10. There is little fear of the Lord God. Little awe. Little joy-filled reverence. Because we hear so much about the mercy of God, we think it is a light thing to enter into and enjoy His presence. Maybe we take Jesus and the presence of the Holy Spirit for granted, failing to recognize what an awesome privilege it is to be in right relationship with the King of kings.

Scenes such as this one should wake us from our slumber, because our God is the same God that wiped out Nadab and Abihu for their disobedience. It is good for us fear the Lord. It is healthy to stand in awe of Him while keeping Jesus in view. When we pray, do we recognize, really recognize, that we are speaking to the King of kings? When we read and make petitions…or even when we complain…do we recall the God with whom we have to do? Do we remember who He really is in all His glory or are we apt to presume upon His presence and favor?

These are difficult questions that we must all answer ourselves. But we must also answer them corporately as well. We must take a hard look at ourselves to see whether or not we lack the fear of the Lord. For this fear, when rightly engaged in and enjoyed, will prove to be a sweet blessing to the people of God and to the world.