Then Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, each took his censer and put fire in it, put incense on it, and offered profane fire before the LORD, which He had not commanded them. So fire went out from the LORD and devoured them, and they died before the LORD. Lev 10:1-2
I have often read this passage of scripture but never really thought about it until last Sunday when I taught on it.
My first reaction is the severity of the punishment; there is no reprimand or second chance for these men; they died suddenly before the Lord for their sin.
Funny how I think about the severity of the punishment and not the severity of the sin!
It was sin that caused their demise.
What did they do?
The scripture only says they “offered profane fire before the Lord”.
Other translations use the word “different”, “strange”, and “unauthorized”.
The Hebrew word can mean “to turn aside”, “foreign”, or “adulterous”.
I only see the severity of the punishment and wonder why they didn’t come down with leprosy, as Miriam did. (Num 12:10)
There are other times where people sinned and were able to repent and move forward, as in the case of David committing adultery. (2 Sam 12:13)
But Nadab and Abihu were instantly killed.
I cannot see this from God’s viewpoint and this is my problem.
God says in His word, “Be holy; for I am holy.” Lev 11:44, 45; 20:26; 21:8; 1 Pet 1:16.
Jesus said, “Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.” Matt 5:48
I find both impossible to do; be holy and be perfect.
Therefore I must believe that I am worthy of the same harsh punishment; and more so!
Jesus also died before the Lord, even though He was holy and perfect.
He took on the severity of punishment for the severity of your sin.
However you are not consumed by the Lord because through the LORD’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Lam 3:22-23
His compassion is through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
The price of your sin is death (Rom 6:23) but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Rom 6:23
Accept Jesus as Savior and escape the severity of God’s punishment; you have a 2nd chance!