God's Way - Not Our Way!

Reading:  Leviticus 5 - 10
My Verse:  "And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, each took his censer 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.  And there came forth fire from before the LORD and killed them, and they died before the LORD" (10:1, 2).

On first read this is shocking!  God appears to be a wrathful god indeed!  But, one has to look back at the previous chapters to this event.  LORD God, You  have clearly and deliberately outlined how the people and the priests are to behave and come before Him.  You made it very clear that You are a Holy God and cannot accept anything less than that which is holy and acceptable in Your sight!  That is why You so carefully spell out to the people how to be a holy people before You!

Nadab and Abihu were trying to do things their way.  It says they "offered strange and unholy fire before the LORD."  We do not know all that was involved, just that they were not obedient to Your clear directions.  It is interesting that Aaron, their father, "held his peace."   It may be that he knew they were in the wrong and he could say nothing in their defense.  He could not cry out to You, LORD God and ask. "Why?"  because he knew the why.

Oh, LORD God, I tremble in the reading of this.  I am made mindful of my own waywardness, stubborness, and selfishness!  I am reminded of the times that I have been deliberately disobedient to You - You, my holy LORD God!  I am so thankful that You are patient and ever so loving with me.   I certainly do not deserve it!

I love what Isaiah says about Your ways versus our ways.   

"My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways, says the LORD.  
For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, 
And my thoughts than your thoughts" (Isaiah 55:8-9).

Like David in Psalm 25 I too lift up my plea to You.

"To You, O LORD, I lift up my soul, O my God, I trust in You . . .
Show me Your ways, O LORD; Teach me Your paths.
Lead me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation;
On You I wait all the day" (Psalm 25: 1-5).

Thank You for Your patience with me.  Keep me on Your path, in Your way not mine!

Ditat Deus - God Enriches!