ESV Chronological Plan, Day 43 | Leviticus 8-10

LOOK | WHAT DOES IT SAY?

Read Leviticus 8:1-10:20

THINK | WHAT DOES IT MEAN?

The ordination of priests. In Leviticus 8-10, we witness the solemn and sacred ordination of the first priests, Aaron and his sons, a momentous event ordained by God Himself. As they step into their roles, they are instructed in the meticulous observance of their duties, emphasizing the sanctity and reverence required in their service to God and His people. However, in the midst of this consecration, tragedy strikes with the sudden deaths of Aaron's sons, Nadab and Abihu, as they offer unauthorized fire before the Lord. This serves as a solemn reminder of the necessity of obedience and reverence in approaching the Almighty. Through these passages, we're called to reflect on the weight of our own actions in worship and service. Let us approach God with humility, obedience, and reverence, honoring Him in all we do, mindful of His holiness and the grace He extends to us through His Son, Jesus Christ.

What is the unauthorized fire? No one really seems to know what exactly Nadab and Abihu did, here. It's possible that they tried to innovate some part of the offering ceremony, making worship more about them and their expression than about careful observance of God's requirements. Another possibility is that they entered into their duties while drunk--this interpretation would be supported by Leviticus 10:8, where Moses seems to pointedly tell Eleazar and Ithamar, "Drink no wine or strong drink, you or your sons with you, when you go into the tent of meeting, lest you die." In either case, these chapters are a helpful corrective against an overly-relaxed view of God. Sometimes the freedom and familiarity that we have in Christ leads to an attitude of treating the God of the Universe like a buddy that we hang out with, and passages like Leviticus remind us that it is an awe-inspiring thing to be in the presence of God.

RESPOND | WHAT IS OUR PART?

In our daily lives, we are called to serve God with the same reverence and obedience exemplified by Aaron and his sons in Leviticus 8-10. Just as they were consecrated for their sacred duties, we too are commissioned to live out our faith with dedication and humility. Let us remember that our actions in worship and service carry weight, and may we continually seek to honor God through our obedience and reverence, drawing closer to Him in every aspect of our lives.

PRAY | HOW DOES THIS BRING US CLOSER TO GOD?

Here is a suggested prayer prompt: "God, help me to serve you today--with reverence and obedience. Help me to honor you in all that I do, being mindful of your holiness and the privilege of serving you. Help me to live in a way that glorifies your name and is pleasing in your sight, and help me to draw close to you as the priests did: by way of the sacrifice that you have ordained; the precious blood of Jesus Christ."