Your Higher Standards

Even though Nadab and Abihu were the sons of Aaron the priest, they died after offering “strange fire before the Lord” (v. 1). We may wonder why the penalty was so severe. “By those who come near Me I will be treated as holy, and before all the people I will be honored” (v. 3). God was teaching important principles. He is holy, and those who represent Him are held to higher standards.

God reminded Aaron and his remaining sons to remember that as His anointed servants, they had to be ready to speak for Him and be His examples. They, too, had to be able to “make a distinction between the holy and the profane, and between the unclean and the clean” (v. 10). He had anointed them and given them special privileges and blessings. But they also had special responsibilities and were set apart to serve Him.

These same principles are true today. As we serve God, He is ready to give us unimaginable wisdom, teach us secrets, and bless us in every area of our lives. But we also need to realize that serving Him comes with responsibilities.

You belong to God. Allow Him to open your eyes to the gifts He has given you. Be available to allow His power to flow through you. Be ready to receive His anointing. Live before Him in holiness and purity, listen to His voice, be ready to serve Him.