Risky Business
Read This Week: Leviticus 10
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. – Leviticus 10:1-2 NIV
Leviticus 10 is a sobering narrative in our study of Greater Responsibility. It really highlights the holiness of God and the seriousness of approaching Him in worship, as seen in the tragic story of Nadab and Abihu, two of Aaron’s sons, who offered unauthorized fire before the Lord, resulting in their immediate death by divine judgment (v.1-2). Here, amidst detailed priestly instructions, it serves as a theological cornerstone, revealing God’s sovereignty and the necessity of obedience to Him. Yet, it also offers practical lessons for us, challenging us to examine how we approach God in our daily lives and how we live out our calling as His people.
Nadab and Abihu’s sin was not merely a procedural misstep but a violation of God’s explicit commands regarding how He was to be worshiped. The unauthorized fire they offered shows a disregard for Yahweh’s prescribed methods, possibly driven by presumption, carelessness, or even pride. God’s response to consume them with fire is difficult to read, but it demonstrates that He is not to be approached with disrespect or flippantly. He demands reverence and obedience, particularly from those set apart for His service. For the Israelites, this event clarified that the priesthood was not a casual role but a sacred responsibility requiring meticulous adherence to God’s word. This points to a broader truth: the Lord’s character is unchanging, and His call to holiness extends to all who seek to draw near to Him.
We are left sober and serious by this passage. We are also to approach God with intentional respect in both corporate worship and personal devotion. While we no longer operate under the Levitical law, the principle of honoring God’s holiness remains a fundamental aspect of our faith. As before, we should consistently examine our motives and attitudes when we pray, serve, or participate in worship. We must be careful not to approach the Lord with our version of unauthorized fire but rather come before God with our lives on His terms. We have to avoid prioritizing convenience, personal preference, or cultural trends over biblical loyalty. For instance, when we engage in worship, whether through song, prayer, or service, we must ask whether our actions align with God’s revealed will in Scripture. Leviticus 10 invites us to cultivate a heart of humility, ensuring that our worship is not self-centered but God-honoring.
God says in verse 3 those who are near me, I will be sanctified, and before all the people, I will be glorified, letting us know the public-facing aspect of our faith and obedience. Nadab and Abihu’s failure was not just a private issue; it impacted the entire community’s perception of God’s holiness. Similarly, our actions as believers reflect Christ to those around us every day, whether it is living with integrity in our workplaces, homes, and communities. When we compromise ethically or act hypocritically, we risk misrepresenting who God is and what a follower of Jesus looks like. But when we live in obedience and show love, honesty, and faithfulness, we glorify God and point others to Him. This is especially relevant in moments of temptation, where choosing to do right over convenience is an example of what God demanded of His priests.
The last part of the chapter, where Aaron and his remaining sons navigate the aftermath of this tragedy, offers additional practical wisdom for us. Aaron’s silence in verse 3 reflects a posture of submission to God’s judgment, even in the midst of his intense grief. This teaches us the value of trusting God’s sovereignty when His ways are difficult to understand. Additionally, God’s instructions to Aaron about abstaining from wine (v. 8-11) suggest that Nadab and Abihu’s actions may have been influenced by impaired judgment, reinforcing the need for clarity in our spiritual responsibilities. It’s essential to maintain discipline, whether by avoiding distractions, guarding our minds against other influences, or prioritizing time in the Bible to discern His will.
This was a heavy chapter but also a powerful reminder that a God who is both gracious and just, still passionately calls His people to reflect His character. Not taking that seriously for the Israelites and us is risky business. It can lead to devastating things in our lives, both personally and collectively. Leviticus 10 urges us to approach God with humility, align our lives with His Word, and live in a way that glorifies Him before others. By doing so, we honor the God who invites us into His presence while upholding the seriousness of that privilege.
Leviticus chapter 10 Verse 1-3
1. And NADAB and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, each took his sensor and put fire in it, and put incense on it, and offered strange and unholy fire before the Lord, as He had not commanded them.
2. And there came forth fire from before the Lord and killed them, and they died before the Lord.
3. Then Moses said to Aaron, this is what the Lord meant when He said, I [and My will, not their own] will be acknowledged as hallowed by those who come near Me, and before the people I will be honored. And Aaron said nothing.
~Holiness and Obedience~
God Is Saying To Me:
My child, I put people in your life to help you along the way. If you don’t listen and follow My instructions given to you from me and through others, there are consequences.
What This Means To Me:
1. God is Holy and requires obedience to His will and commands.
2. Holy reverence is essential to maintaining a sin-free relationship with God and bring glory to me
3. God disciplines His children out of love, so don’t allow His corrections to make you fearful or stray. Always stay in the spirit, seeking God’s grace and mercy for all! ❤️
Father God gave me additional insight also.
Leviticus Chapter 10 Verses 10-11
10. You shall make a distinction and recognize a difference between the holy and the common or unholy, and between the unclean and the clean;
11. And you are to teach the Israelites all the statutes which the Lord has spoken to them by Moses.
~You Are My Temple~
God Is Saying To Me:
As you go through life, you will encounter many things and situations. Always remember to seek Me and ask for discernment concerning your ability to carry out the task l I have given to you.
What This Means To Me:
1. Distinguish between holy and unholy things and actions, and clean and unclean actions and things, seeking God’s instructions and holiness.
2. Remain diligent concerning the directions you have been given. Do not allow unholy offerings or sacrifices infiltrate your duties and calling so you can teach others how to not make mistakes or errors.
3. Keep your eyes and body holy. Don’t allow your light to darken or consume unholy things. You are my temple. You shall be holy, for I am holy. ( 1st Peter 1:16) ❤️
Have you ever given in to peer pressure? Or gone ahead with something you knew was wrong—simply because you wanted to? If so, you’re not alone. I’ve lived that. I was rebellious in my youth, determined to do things *my* way, regardless of what was right.
But I’ve learned—often the hard way—that rebellion carries consequences. Real ones. And those consequences almost always outweigh whatever fleeting benefit I thought I was chasing.
Now, I’m learning a better way to live. A way that listens carefully to God. A way that values obedience over impulse, and faithfulness over feelings. I’m learning to take my responsibilities seriously—regardless of pressure, convenience, or emotion. I’m learning to live a life grounded in truth, purpose, love, and peace.
1. We have a greater responsibility to pay close attention and follow God’s exact instructions.
Presumption and rebellion aren’t minor slip-ups—they carry serious consequences.
2. We are called to do what is right, even when it’s hard.
Our duty doesn’t change because the road is rough. We press forward in obedience.
3. We are made holy—set apart for God’s service.
Distinguish yourself. You weren’t made to blend in with the world. You were made to stand out.
One more thing:
God’s grace and mercy are more than enough. He knows your thoughts, searches your heart, and helps those who love Him succeed—not just in the easy moments, but in the hardest ones.
Seeking God With Your Whole Heart — Leviticus 10
We have greater responsibility
In Leviticus 10, we see a sad moment in the story of Aaron’s sons. These men were priests — set apart, chosen, anointed. They had seen God’s glory with their own eyes. They watched holy fire fall from heaven and consume the offering exactly as God had promised.
But right after witnessing this holy wonder, they did something careless: they brought their own fire — not the fire God commanded — and offered it in His presence. They didn’t stop to ask God. They didn’t pause to care about what was on His heart. They didn’t listen to His instruction. Instead, they did what they felt like doing in that moment.
God’s holy fire consumed them — not because He is cruel, but because He is holy. He was showing everyone, Leviticus 10:3 then Moses said to Aaron, this is what the Lord said. I will be treated as wholly by those who approach me and before all the people I will be honored
What that says to me “When you come near Me, treat Me as holy. Respect My presence. Listen to My ways. It’s not casual.”
So, what does this mean for us today?
God probably won’t send fire from heaven when we act carelessly, but the lesson is still serious. Aaron’s sons treated God’s instruction lightly and disrespected His holiness — right after He had revealed Himself and blessed them. It was a clear lesson for Israel that God is near and He is holy — not to be dishonored or taken lightly.
Today, because of Jesus, we live under grace. but God still cares deeply about holiness. He still expects us to have reverence for His presence. He still corrects those He loves — not to destroy us, but to purify our hearts. He brings hidden things to light so we can be set free and healed, to walk in His peace.
Too often today, people ignore Him by ignoring His ways. But because of Jesus, we don’t have to stand in fear. We are forgiven — and called to live in holiness from a heart that wants to please Him. We’re not meant to go along with what everyone else is doing when it’s not His will. We are called to honor Him more, not less.
He wants our hearts to truly desire to do the right thing, to stay close to Him, and to listen to the Holy Spirit all day, every day — not just at church time. Before you make a decision, ask, “Holy Spirit, what does Father God want me to do? What does He not want me to do or say?”
Keep worshiping, play music playing. Stay aware of His presence. And when you make a mistake — and you will — be quick to say, “Jesus, please forgive me. Help my heart to be right before You. I only want to do and say what You want.” Help me to make it right with your help!
One more powerful part of this chapter is Aaron’s response. Even though his sons died because of what they did, Aaron stayed silent. He didn’t complain or blame God. He didn’t make excuses for his sons. He accepted that God is right and holy — even when it hurts deeply.
This shows how much Aaron loved and feared the Lord. He cared more about God’s heart than his own comfort.
Father God still cares about our hearts today. He calls us to be examples so others can see a true picture of what it’s like to follow Him: to live set apart, to listen closely, and to walk in holiness and love.
Father God,
Thank You for showing us Your holiness and for giving us the gift of Your presence and thank you so much for Jesus to help us to know the truth
Forgive us for every time we’ve treated Your instructions lightly or ignored Your voice. Create in us a pure heart — one that loves what You love and learn what You don’t like . Holy Spirit, help us to listen closely to Your leading every day and to honor You in our choices, words, and actions. Convict our hearts where we’ve drifted, and draw us back into a deeper reverence for who You are. Help us to be examples of Your holiness and grace so others can see what it truly means to follow You. We want to live set apart — fully surrendered to Your will. In Jesus’ holy name, Amen.
This is what I got from God in Leviticus 10. You are called to be part of My “royal priesthood.” Although as believers you can not lose your salvation by disobeying Me, sin can temporarily break your fellowship with Me. I may discipline you out of love. I use hardships for good as a way to remold your behavior. Sin can also block a believers prayers. I can bless those who obey. I instruct believers not to murmur or complain in the face of adversity. I advise you as a believer to be temperate as witnesses in consuming alcohol. Don’t allow My blessings to make you complacent. Be reverent in your worship of Me. Trust Me, even if you can’t understand My actions. Alcohol can sometimes lead to sin and can cause others to stumble. Be a holy example to others. Keep your eyes pure to stay holy. Teaching your children is one of your first duties as a Christian. Be a teacher of My word to others and continue to share My word. Seek My fellowship. Seek My peace. Be without sin to be in fellowship with Me.
What this said to me was I must not fill my eyes with inappropriate things. I also need to keep my body holy. My love for Christ should be what motivates me in everything I do. It is so important that I be grateful for God’s mercy and His grace.
PODCAST
This Week in the Life: Leviticus 10
For the best experience, we suggest you listen to the first song, the message, and then the second song.
1. Sunday Worship – First Song: https://reachchurch.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/20250622-Worship1.wav
2. Sunday Message: https://reachchurch.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/20250622-Message.wav
3. Sunday Worship – Second Song: https://reachchurch.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/20250622-Worship2.wav
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This week in Leviticus chapter 10 I have a song
Worship
Let’s come together to worship our Lord let’s come together to worship our Lord, lifting our hands praising our Lord oh Lord, we desire to worship you we desire to worship you giving you our heart we want to honor and adore you honor and adore you. We are trusting listening, obeying You, Lord we want to give you all the glory. We stand up together to worship you honor and obey your will Lord we want to follow you follow you all of our days on earth and in heaven amen.
Our Lord loves when we are honest with him, and when we trust, listen and obey him through all things let’s honor our Lord every day amen