“Now Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, each took his censer and put fire in it and laid incense on it and offered unauthorized fire before the Lord, which he had not commanded them.” (Leviticus 10:1, ESV)
Nadab and Abihu teach us a valuable lesson. After spending the first 8 chapters of Leviticus detailing the laws of sacrifice and then in chapter 9 the implementation of these criteria, we discover the ramifications of disobedience. There is no indication of intended revolt, Nadab and Abihu simply did not follow the Law of God. Their fire was “unauthorized” meaning God said “use this fire” and they used that fire.
Unfortunately, some today consider God’s authoritative Word to be nothing more than a suggestion. However, we are told time and time again the same warning shown in the death of Nadab and Abihu. “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23, ESV)
For the sake of your soul, do not take the Word of God lightly, but study it and obey it as though your life depends on it, because it does.
Let your light shine!