Aaron’s sons Nadab and Abihu took their censers, put fire in them and added incense; and they offered unauthorized fire before the Lord contrary to his command. So fire came out from the presence of the Lord and consumed them, and they died before the Lord. Moses said to Aaron, “This is what the Lord spoke of when he said, “Among those who approach me I will be proved holy; in the sight of all the people I will be honored.” Aaron remained silent. Leviticus 10:1-3.

This is a difficult passage to read. I looked up the reference q which directed me to Leviticus 16:12: He is to take a censer full of burning coals from the altar before the Lord and two handfuls of finely ground fragrant incense and take them behind the curtain. The he is Aaron.

There is a distinction between what is Holy and what is not. Do we grasp how important that is? In the Chapter before this Aaron and his sons did everything the Lord commanded through Moses. Now, Aaron’s two oldest sons, Nadab and Abihu died for doing what was not authorized before the Lord. A distinction was made that was shocking. I can well imagine the fear that brought into every heart. How can I not feel that fear? Among those who approach me I will be proved holy; in the sight of all the people I will be honored.

So I brought that fear to God in prayer realizing what I am made of; a lifetime of thoughts swirling in my mind that are unholy. How can I come before Almighty God who is Holy and Righteous? This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel says: “In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength.” Isaiah 30:15.

I realized this morning how much I need a humble heart yearning to learn. Or do you think Scripture says without reason that he jealously longs for the spirit he has caused to dwell in us? But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” (Proverbs 3:34) Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. James 4:5-6, 10.

Can we humble ourselves if we cannot see that God is Holy? Can we not appreciate there is a distinction between us and God? Almighty God who created everything that exists is Holy. Can we begin there? Look with eyes that see the majesty and beauty of Creation…the design so beautiful we can barely comprehend it. How can we, the created, not humble ourselves in deference to the One who creates?

Worship God knowing that He alone is Holy. Humble yourself and realize your deep need for His leading you on the path that leads you faithfully to Him. Knowing what I am, I give Him my heart because He is Holy and I am not and oh, how I need Him to teach me. In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength. I trust God, who alone is Holy. He knows the way. How can we, the created, know the way? Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.” John 14:6-7. Jesus, Creator God, came to show us how to live in reverent love and submission to the Father. He is our Shepherd and Guide and He knows the way. Nadab and Abihu will one day know that Way, too.