MDB 68: Leviticus 10

What a shocking event!  Just after the consecration of Aaron and the acceptance of his first offering, his two sons are struck dead! Why?

Nadab and Abihu offered incense to God apart from his command. This "unauthorized" or "strange" fire was a violation of God's holiness and a rejection of his appointed means of approach in worship. It was wrong for them to simply approach God at their pleasure and worship him as they pleased.  This is the heart of the "regulative principle" in the reformed tradition- that God is to be worshipped only as he commands.  John Calvin  wrote "God disapproves of all modes of worship not expressly sanctioned by His Word". God's word to Aaron (v.3) sums it up well- proper worship causes God's servants to fear him and God's people to glorify him.

Why did Nadab and Abihu do this? What were they thinking?  Perhaps they were excited, perhaps they wanted to offer a special gift to God, perhaps they wanted to participate in worship like their father. In the end it does not matter- obedience is all that matters.  

Why did this happen at this time? God struck down the first act of disobedience in the Old Covenant in order to communicate his displeasure with all subsequent sins against worship of his name. Later sins such as were committed by Eli's sons (I Samuel 2:12-17,22), were not punished immediately, but are just as evil in God's sight. His patience should not be mistaken for indifference. 

There is a similar event at the establishment of the New Covenant people of God. Ananias and Sapphira were struck dead by God because they lied to the Holy Spirit.  So holy was the assembly of God's people now indwelt by the Holy Spirit that every offense was a violation of his holiness. . Although later sins have not always been punished immediately, God views them in just the same way- offenses against himself and the sanctity of his church.

Does this have implications for how we "do church" today?