If you've ever had a new job, then you'll understand the feelings that I am about to describe. I've been at my current job for 9 years, so it's been a while, but I remember that new-job smell. I can recall being slightly nervous, whether it was my first ministry job or the first day working at a Dollar General. (Yes, I did that.)
Because of the new-ness of it all, I was always on my best behavior. Not that I have any other kind of behavior. My best listening skills came out as I learned the duties and schedules of my new job. I was always very aware of how I was treating people and doubly aware of the supervisor watching my actions. I believe I'm the type of person that continues to work hard, but being a super-worker seems to be the natural way to start out at a job. Ask questions before trying anything strange with a new employer. Always perform the task in the way it was taught.
But apparently not everyone thinks this way. In Leviticus, quickly becoming a fascinating read for me, we read about God giving Moses and Aaron the run-down of the priestly duties. (Think first-day do's and dont's.)
In Leviticus 9 the priests go to work, performing sacrifices just as God commanded. But then something strange, literally, happens. (At least, as literally as the Message Version states it.) Aaron's son's, Nadab and Abihu, offered a 'strange' fire to God, something God had not commanded to be offered. God, in turn, consumed the boys and they died. One would think they would have waited until at least the second week of work to do something like that. Silly boys!
Ok, first of all, I get why God consumed them with fire. God is holy and this was among the first steps He was taking with His people. God needs the people to know that He means what He says. It's kind of like when I tell my children to listen the first time I say something. Our actions have consequences.
But, secondly, it makes me wonder if we offer 'strange' fire to God. Is this the kind of thing Jesus was referring to when He talked about the Pharisees tithing everything they owned, but neglecting justice? Clearly these religious teachers were just wanting to appear holy, without actually being holy.
Are we guilty of the same? Are there little things that I do 'religiously' that God has not asked for? Am I concerned with aspects of my life that need more attention than the things I spend my time on? Does this mean I shouldn't be saving every church bulletin from every church service I have ever been to? But what if I've categorized them by sermon topic and cross referenced them by number of hymns sung?
What if, in our own post-modern fashion, we've begun to perform many seemingly good tasks that are just 'strange' fire to God? Are we prepared for the consequences to consume us? Are we more consumed with looking like we love Jesus, or actually loving Jesus?
Because of the new-ness of it all, I was always on my best behavior. Not that I have any other kind of behavior. My best listening skills came out as I learned the duties and schedules of my new job. I was always very aware of how I was treating people and doubly aware of the supervisor watching my actions. I believe I'm the type of person that continues to work hard, but being a super-worker seems to be the natural way to start out at a job. Ask questions before trying anything strange with a new employer. Always perform the task in the way it was taught.
But apparently not everyone thinks this way. In Leviticus, quickly becoming a fascinating read for me, we read about God giving Moses and Aaron the run-down of the priestly duties. (Think first-day do's and dont's.)
In Leviticus 9 the priests go to work, performing sacrifices just as God commanded. But then something strange, literally, happens. (At least, as literally as the Message Version states it.) Aaron's son's, Nadab and Abihu, offered a 'strange' fire to God, something God had not commanded to be offered. God, in turn, consumed the boys and they died. One would think they would have waited until at least the second week of work to do something like that. Silly boys!
Ok, first of all, I get why God consumed them with fire. God is holy and this was among the first steps He was taking with His people. God needs the people to know that He means what He says. It's kind of like when I tell my children to listen the first time I say something. Our actions have consequences.
But, secondly, it makes me wonder if we offer 'strange' fire to God. Is this the kind of thing Jesus was referring to when He talked about the Pharisees tithing everything they owned, but neglecting justice? Clearly these religious teachers were just wanting to appear holy, without actually being holy.
Are we guilty of the same? Are there little things that I do 'religiously' that God has not asked for? Am I concerned with aspects of my life that need more attention than the things I spend my time on? Does this mean I shouldn't be saving every church bulletin from every church service I have ever been to? But what if I've categorized them by sermon topic and cross referenced them by number of hymns sung?
What if, in our own post-modern fashion, we've begun to perform many seemingly good tasks that are just 'strange' fire to God? Are we prepared for the consequences to consume us? Are we more consumed with looking like we love Jesus, or actually loving Jesus?
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