This week we read about Nadab and Abihu and the sin of them offering strange fire before the Lord. Let’s go back in time so we truly understand what happened here. On Nissan 1 which typically happens between March and April. This is the 1st day of the Hebrew year. God had established the counting of months the prior year before they left Egypt. Now 7 days before the new year the Tabernacle was completed. For 7 days the Israelites set up and tore down the Tabernacle. This was a time of training before the Glory of God filled the Tabernacle.
Now at the beginning of the new year Aaron and his sons were set apart and ordained to the roll of Priests. Aaron and his sons were stripped down publicly and bathed with water. Then they were dressed in the Priests Holy Garments. After they were dressed they were anointed with the anointing oil. The oil was poured over their head and covered their entire body. Moses then made a sacrifice to make Aaron and his sons holy. He also made the Tabernacle and all of its furnishings holy with the oil and the blood of the sacrifice. After this happened the Glory of God entered the Tabernacle. The Glory was so strong that even Moses couldn’t enter the Tabernacle. After the Glory fell Aaron and his sons were told to stay at the door of the Tabernacle for 7 days.
On the 8th day, Nissan 8, Aaron and his sons make the 1st sacrifice by the Priests. Aaron and his sons now are making the special sacrifice to cleans and purify the people with a sin offering and a burnt offering. Aaron and his sons followed the protocol perfectly. Aaron and Moses then bless the people and the fire of God blazed forth and consumed the sacrifice. Great joy befell the entire congregation. They all fell down on their faces.
White this was going on Nadab and Abihu took their incense burners as filled them with coals of fire and incense. The fire of God blazed forth and consumed them. They did what they desired not what that were instructed. These 2 men were worshipers.
Nadab means - to volunteer, give spontaneously, offer freely, offer self willingly.
Abihu means - Father, worshiper of Him, worshiper of God
Yet there is a right way and a wrong way to worship God. They allowed their flesh to take over. Look at the verse right after this event.
Leviticus 10:8-10
“Then the Lord said to Aaron, “You and your descendants must never drink wine or any other alcoholic drink before going into the Tabernacle. If you do, you will die. This is a permanent law for you, and it must be observed from generation to generation. You must distinguish between what is sacred and what is common, between what is ceremonially unclean and what is clean.”
It is believed by ancient Rabbis that Nadab and Abihu were intoxicated when they offered strange fire. Notice how after they died Aaron’s cousins were told to carry them out by their clothes. That means their clothes were not burned. That is a miracle. Everyone saw that what was Holy could not be destroyed.
Now notice that Aaron has 4 sons. God established the 5 fold ministry at this very moment in time. However perversion got in the way. The same happens today it is rare that the 5 fold works in a church in unison. There are usually 2 or 3 offices that work together. However it is not completing its full potential. God is ready for His Bride to reach her full potential. It is time to embrace the 5 fold and make room for all. Rise up Apostles, Prophets, Teachers, Pastors, and Evangelist. Make room for your counter parts. Only together will you reach the full calling.
