Behold a God of Justice

We live in a day and age that demands second chances. Some of our favorite expressions can be the likes of, "Give the guy some leeway." Or, "Can you cut me some slack." We have all heard and have perhaps even said the familiar words, "Give me a break." Perhaps our human relationships make make easy provision for do overs because of consistent mishaps.

Currently I have been reading through the book of Leviticus. Although I have developed an appreciation for this book over the past 3-4 years, I must say that Leviticus is quite difficult to understand. If viewed from a purely rationalistic perspective, I could see Leviticus being a book of great contention, and frustration. However, if Leviticus is read with the understanding that God has revealed Himself as both loving and just, the book has the potential to speak a great deal into our lives under direction of the Holy Spirit. One of the difficulties with Leviticus is that an overarching theme is death. Death of bulls, death of sheep, death of birds, and even the death of people.

In Leviticus chapter 10 we are confronted with what seems to be an injustice. Upon a closer look, it will be discovered that the sudden and immediate death of Aaron's sons Nadab and Abihu is one of the greatest portrayals of justice in the Scripture. We must bear in mind that Leviticus gives clear and concise protocol as to how God is to be approached. The God of the Bible is not to be approached in a cavalier manner. It is not as if fallen humanity can barge into His presence without careful consideration and caution. After accepting Aaron's sacrifice (Leviticus 9:23,24), Nadab and Abihu offered profane fire before the LORD. There willy nilly attitude was not overlooked but treated as a display of outright defiance toward God's prescribed method of doing priestly ministry.

Thankfully the Scriptures are not silent in regard to the LORD devouring the rebellious brothers. The Bible does not give excuses for such events taking place; just reasons. The reason is given in Leviticus 10:3 which says, "This is what the LORD spoke saying, By those who come near Me I must be regarded as holy; And before all the people I must be glorified." You see, God is not willing to set aside His glory, even for the sons of Aaron. Just because Aaron was close with Moses didn't mean God would overlook such blatant error. In today's culture of money and fame, we seem to think that dollars and cents can get us out of serious problems. Either that or we try to bypass judgement with a connection we have with a higher level of authority. Aaron knew his sons were guilty and so "held his peace."

Have you ever offered profane fire before God? You may be thinking to yourself, I have never used censors or incense, or anything of the sort so how could I be guilty of unauthorized fire before God. Well, did you know that God has given people today a prescribed way of approaching Him? That way is through the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. If you reject God's provision of a sacrifice for sin, namely His dearly loved Son, and seek to enter into the presence of Almighty God by your own merit, you are no different than Nadab and Abihu. They rightfully received their due for disobedience, and you will too. Ignorance isn't bliss in such matters. Therefore I urge you to come to God in the way he calls you to. God has mercifully provided a way for worshippers to approach Him through the death of Jesus. As sinful as they may be, Christ's all-sufficient sacrifice shields all those who put their faith in Him. God has a burning zeal for His glory that will by no means overlook the disobedience of man. Behold a God of Justice!