Holiness and Glory

Holiness and glory.  Part of our reading today is about Aaron’s sons Nadab and Abihu.  They “each took his own firepan, put fire in it, placed incense on it, and presented unauthorized fire before the Lord, which He had not commanded them to do” (Leviticus 10:1). God’s response to this action was that fire came from the Lord and consumed them and they died (v.2).  One might think that this was a harsh reaction by God.  One might suggest that God was mean in his action.  But as we read further, we understand this is not the case at all.  God responded this way to demonstrate His holiness to those who are near, and to reveal His glory before all people (v.3).  We see a similar result when Ananias and Sapphira try to deceive God and others in Acts 5, but they, too, suffer immediate death.  This is also why anyone who is not saved through and by the blood of Christ, will suffer eternal death.  God does not take pleasure in death or punishment, but He is holy and must address sin.  God’s glory will be revealed to all for He alone is God!