VERY STRANGE FIRE

Leviticus 10-12

Today's lesson features fire falling from heaven – on the priests! Sons of Aaron, probably his oldest, Nadab and Abihu offered “strange fire” in their fire pans or incense burners. What was this stuff that the KJV calls “strange.”

1 – the Hebrew word means exactly that: strange.

2 – several modern translations say “unauthorized” or “unacceptable. They are reacting to Exodus 30:9, where the Lord tells Moses to keep incense burning before the LORD every morning and evening, but is very specific about making no other offerings on this incense altar.

3 – Both Spanish and German versions use their word for strange.

4 – Your quarterly takes the view that it was not according to God's orders. That might mean an extra offering of some sort or the wrong ritual.

5 – Since Israel always had trouble with idolatry and other gods, they could have offered this to some other god they preferred.

6 – I think there's a good possibility these guys were drunk as skunks. After instructions on dealing with the death of the two priests, the LORD immediately turns to instruct all future generations of priests “Drink no wine or strong drink … when you go into the tent of meeting that you die not!”

How God dealt with their deaths may be interesting. He specified two cousins to bury them, wrapped in the tunics they wore – was this meant to be their secular clothes worn under the priestly garments? It also indicates the heavenly fire didn't burn them into crisps. (Sorry, that's how my mind works...)

Finally, he told Moses and Aaron not to show any signs of grief, but to remain at the door of the Tabernacle. The rest of the tribe of Levi may grieve, however, except for the two brothers next in line for the priesthood. Note also that the next two in line replaced the two buried sons as a sign that the priesthood was biffer than any one person. I have been replaced as pastor a number of times in my life. Obviously others still write the quarterlies I used to write, and other counselors have helped people I once worked with. I can be replaced. So can you. But God's work goes on. (And so does the rest of the world.)

Verses 10-11 explain why priests need clear minds. They must be able to distinguish between clean and unclean, holy and common, and they must be able to teach that to the people. Likewise today, church leaders, including mature laymen, must be able to think clearly about right and wrong, policies of the church, ways of witnessing, Bible interpretation – especially for teachers. How clear and sharp is your mind?

Verses 12-15 instruct the priests to eat their share of the offerings. We should remember “the laborer (church staff) is worthy of his hire” and not begrudge paying them. Remember anytime you don't raise a salary, you are cutting it. If you don't believe that, ask anyone with a fixed income whether it's worth as much today as 5 or 10 years ago.

Chapters 11-12 are regarding clean and unclean foods. Some people have tried to maintain these translate into health considerations. Others disagree. Frankly, I don't feel this applies to us today, and I do not find it useful. Except in one way:

Clean and unclean are not referring to character. They refer to fitness to worship, the ability to stand before God. In the NT Jesus uses different standards. If you have a problem between you and your brother or neighbor, solve it before you go to worship. Some OT scholars, I think also those delving into the Dead Sea Scrolls, are saying that to the people of that day there was no difference between cultic (worship) rules and ethics. Today's application can be seen in the old Catholic tradition of confession the night before mass. I like the idea of clearing your conscience before worship, seeking God's confession of sins.

Frankly I'm sorry the Catholics are moving away from their practice and emphasis on confession. As a counseling pastor, I have seen again and again the freedom that people experience when they actually grasp that God really does forgive them, and they can let go of the guilt. Before you worship this Sunday, what do you need to let go of, confess to God, or receive His forgiveness for?