NADAB AND ABIHU

Leviticus 10: 1 – 3

Introduction:

1. While the two eldest sons of Levi, these two did not live to see the glorious abilities of the high priest: an office they might have held (one at time) had they been obedient to God. (Ex. 6:23 -- And Aaron took him Elisheba, daughter of Amminadab, sister of Naashon, to wife; and she bare him Nadab, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar.)

2. Nadab and Abihu were privileged to be with Moses at some of the most astounding times as God gave to Israel His Law.

a. Ex. 24

b. Ex. 28:1 And take thou unto thee Aaron thy brother, and his sons with him, from among the children of Israel, that he may minister unto me in the priest's office, even Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar, Aaron's sons.

3. But alas, these two are forever remembered as sinful men:

a. Numbers 3:4 And Nadab and Abihu died before the LORD, when they offered strange fire before the LORD, in the wilderness of Sinai, and they had no children: and Eleazar and Ithamar ministered in the priest's office in the sight of Aaron their father.

4. It is plain that we Christians must take heed! 1 Cor. 10:12 -- Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.

I. THEIR SIN

A. They had been appointed Aaron’s “assistants” the day previous. Lev. 9

1. Might they have been “overly prideful?”

2. Might they have been intoxicated?

3. (The above might seem true from reading the remainder of Leviticus 10.)

4. Lev. 9:24 -- And there came a fire out from before the LORD, and consumed upon the altar the burnt offering and the fat: which when all the people saw, they shouted, and fell on their faces.

B. Whatever “strange fire” means, THIS WAS THE CAUSE OF THEIR DEATH

1. God is SPECIFIC in His orders!

2. If they had neither PLACE nor correct content, either would cause the wrath of God!

3. Num 15:30 But the soul that doeth ought presumptuously, whether he be born in the land, or a stranger, the same reproacheth the LORD; and that soul shall be cut off from among his people.

II. THEIR PUNISHMENT

A. Lev. 10:2 -- And there went out fire from the LORD, and devoured them, and they died before the LORD.

1. Regardless of how “minor” in our eyes, God saw the wages of THIS sin as death!

2. They died before the Lord; i.e. before the veil of the tabernacle – without entering!

3. They died by fire!

4. They died childless!

B. Ours is not to question the judgment of God, but to OBSERVE AND LEARN

1. Romans 11:22

2. Hebrews 10:22 – 33

III. OUR WORK AS HIS PRIESTS

A. Revelation 1:6 And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever.

B. Do we do HIM honor as kings and priests, or OURSELVES?

C. Are we patient servants, or impatient “attention seekers?”

D. Hebrews 6:1 – 6

Conclusion:

Let us each one take our rightful place in the service of Christ and simply do as He says, without our thoughts, intentions and desires running ahead of His instructions of righteousness.