God is Not Safe

Leviticus 10:1, 2

“Aaron’s sons Nadab and Abihu … offered unauthorised 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.”

Ordained one week, incinerated the next. Harsh. Frightening even! The chapter raises a lot of questions. Is there a lesson for me to learn here as well? I think so.

What did they do wrong?

The story doesn’t tell us but we can make a few guesses. Were they drunk (Lev. 10:9)? Did they disrespect God himself and go into the Most Holy Place (a forbidden thing) with no concern for God’s words (Lev. 16:1)? Did they use the wrong utensils, or the wrong incense or the wrong liturgy?

The problem with speculation is I can’t think of anything that makes me feel OK about this. The punishment seems sudden and excessive. Is it?

Who were these guys?

Nadab and Abihu are Moses’ nephews, Aaron’s eldest sons. They are two very privileged people. They have been up-close witnesses to God’s incredible power and deeds ever since the exodus from Egypt.

They were part of the inner circle that went with Moses to the edge of Mount Sinai when God appeared and gave the Ten Commandments (Ex 24:1). Following their ordination they witnessed God’s fire with their own eyes. They saw it come from the Most Holy Place and consume the sacrifice on the altar (Lev 9:24). They witnessed acts of divine power and revelation first hand.

Aaron’s sons were experienced, trained and trusted priests. They were not novices. They were the elder sons and what ever it is they did wrong we may assume they knew better.

Is it fair?

God is righteous and sovereign. While we don’t have enough details to make a good police report, we do know that Aaron’s sons did the wrong thing and it was very serious. Their father does not raise a protest, he reacts in stunned silence. They did worse than use the wrong pots or read the wrong page from the prayer book. They sinned. They failed badly. And they became dramatic examples to all of us.

This event is not unique. Others died at the hands of God’s exacting judgment. Uzzah who touched the ark of God (1 Chronicles 13:9, 10) and Ananias and his wife Sapphira (Acts 5:1-10) who misrepresented their generosity are examples. Their stories also make me uneasy. They are a reminder that God will not be domesticated. He is Lion-like and full of fire. He is not to be toyed with.

“Fair” might not be the right word but I am confident that “unfair” is the wrong word. God’s ways are mysterious, yes, but his actions are never random or malicious.

Am I at risk?

I want to know, “Is God safe?” C. S. Lewis puts that very question in Lucy’s mouth in his children’s book The Chronicles of Narnia. Mr Beaver gives the answer: “Safe? Who said anything about safe? 'Course he isn't safe. But he's good. He's the King, I tell you.” That’s good enough for me.

Several things stand out as I reflect.

1. No one is immune. These guys were on the inner circle. They were Moses' family. No one stands above God's examining eye. Everyone needs mercy.
2. God judges sin. The same fire that displayed God’s glory in chapter 9 exacted God’s judgement in chapter 10. Sin is not a casual matter. God deals with it. 
3. Leaders are even more accountable. We are called to be faithful models and we will be judged more strictly (James 3:1).
4. God deals with each of us individually. Peter learned this when receiving his commission from Jesus. Seeing the apostle John he asked Jesus: “What about him?” “What is that to you?” Jesus replied, “You must follow me”. The principle is sound. Commit fully to Jesus and don't get distracted by the success or failure of others. (John 21:20-22). 
5. Humility matters!

Yes, I am always accountable. But, I don’t live with fear. I serve with a deep respect, humility and gratitude towards God. I am certain of his justice and convinced of his Love.

Questions

• Is there such a thing as healthy fear of God? How does it differ from unhealthy fear of God?
• When is a leader at risk?

Epilogue

The debate between Moses and Aaron at the end of this chapter puts additional light on the practice of our discipleship. The two leaders see things differently. Moses takes a strict even legalistic view. “Why didn’t the younger boys do things by the book?” (i.e. eat the meat of the sacrifice). Aaron on the other hand takes a cautious and interpretive view. He is reluctant to eat the meat given Nadab and Abihu’s failure and subsequent judgement. Perhaps the meat is no longer ceremonially clean. Perhaps they should show respect and abstain. Two points of view. In the end Moses is satisfied and God seems not to be worried about our nit-picking. Whatever Aaron's elder sons did, it was much more than a matter of interpretation (Leviticus 10:16-20, Derek Tidball, Leviticus p.118).