“Holy” means “other.” God is OTHER than us, He is different, He is perfect. He embodies TOTAL TRUTH and PERFECT PURITY. He must be FEARED and RESPECTED.
After a lifetime witnessing miracles, Aaron’s sons Nadab and Abihu were ordained as priests through a week-long process of sacrifices. How did they respond?
“Now Nadab and Abihu took their firepans, put fire and incense in them, and put the fire before the Lord, contrary to God’s instructions. And fire came out from the presence of the Lord and consumed them, and they died. Then Moses said, ‘This is what the Lord spoke, saying ‘I must be treated as holy by those who come near Me, and before all the people I will be honored.’” Leviticus 10:1-3.
Aaron’s sons acted with pride. Rather than fearing God’s holiness, the two put their eyes on how special THEY were. They brought pride into God’s holy presence, and they were struck down.
Not only that—Aaron could say nothing about it! “Moses said to Aaron and to his surviving sons Eleazar and Ithamar, ‘Do not uncover your heads nor tear your clothes, so that you do not die… for the Lord’s anointing oil is upon you” Lev. 10:6-7. Moses says in effect, “during this week of ordination, you three will say and do nothing but keep your focus on the holiness of God. His holiness is more important than your grief.”
God was preparing Israel for thousands of years of nationhood. When Moses and Aaron were long gone, the nation would continue to observe God’s sacrifices and the worship of a holy God. Consequently, several times in the early years, those who violated God’s holiness were struck down, setting a striking example for future generations.
Do we respect God’s holiness? Or do we worship while telling ourselves how special WE are?
The Bible says, “Be holy, even as I am holy.” See Lev.11:44; 1 Peter 1:16.
God, teach us to walk in holiness, to worship you in holiness and humility, to fear and respect you every moment.
ΑΩ
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