Week 7…Reverence or Routine?
“And fire came out from before the Lord and consumed them, and they died before the Lord.”
(Leviticus 10:2)
Just one chapter before this, fire fell from heaven and consumed the sacrifice in joy and acceptance (Leviticus 9:24). Now, just one chapter later, that same fire consumed two priests in judgment. What changed?
This question is the heart of our deep dive this week. But before we dig in, I want to be honest:
In the past, Leviticus 10 seemed really harsh to me. I just couldn’t understand why God would kill two of the newest priests. Chapter 9 felt like a celebration, God’s glory appearing among His people, while Chapter 10 feels like sudden grief and horror. It must have been a shocking, devastating change of pace for the community.
Here’s what happened:
Leviticus 10 opens with the actions of Aaron’s sons, Nadab and Abihu. The people were still celebrating God’s fellowship and acceptance, and suddenly…death by fire!! Why?
Nadab and Abihu brought something before the Lord that He had not commanded, “unauthorized fire” (Leviticus 10:1). Some commentaries also suggest they were under the influence of alcohol when they went into God’s presence (Leviticus 10:9).
Remember, God was very specific about what offerings to bring, how to bring them, and when. What Nadab and Abihu did might have looked spiritual. It might even have felt sincere. But it wasn’t obedient. And in the Tent of Meeting, where God’s holy presence hovered, sin of any kind could not stand.
This story reminds me so much of what happens in humanity today.
In previous chapters, we’ve learned worship and offerings were not about what people felt like offering, but about intention and obedience. When we fall out of step with what God has asked of us… whether that’s in our behavior, thoughts, actions, or relationships… consequences follow.
We see that today, don’t we? God is a gentleman. He isn’t forceful. He gives us free will and the space to choose Him or ourselves, His ways or our own. One question I’ve often heard, and you probably have too, is: “How can a loving God allow so much hate, violence, death, sickness, and destruction?”
Personally, I think that’s an important question. God isn’t human. He isn’t sitting on His throne, surprised by us or grinning in revenge. He knows each person will face consequences based on what they choose. Our very own decisions in sin have created much of the mess we experience on this side of Heaven (Romans 6:23).
We live on the devil’s playground but aren’t we grateful that God still takes up space here on earth and within us? Just as He did in Leviticus among His people, and just as He does within us through the Holy Spirit after Jesus’s death and resurrection (1 Corinthians 3:16).
God gave His people clear instructions, just like He gives us, and He expected their worship to reflect His holiness. Aaron’s sons didn’t take God’s sacredness seriously. They made worship about their own initiative and impulse. I don’t know about you, but this reminds me of that fine line in our faith, when it can become more about our “works” than about the actual relationship, fellowship, and lifestyle we have in Jesus.
Nadab and Abihu’s story shows us worship isn’t just about good intentions. It’s about alignment with God’s heart and holiness. God isn’t looking for performance or improvisation in sacred spaces. He wants hearts that revere Him, obey Him, and honor His presence. He had just poured out His glory (Leviticus 9:23–24), and Nadab and Abihu responded not with awe, but with assumption.
In a world where everything is customizable (even faith) this passage calls us back to holy surrender. To not bring what we think God wants, but to humbly bring what He has asked for: our obedience, our hearts, our reverence.
“Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.”
(Hebrews 12:28–29)
My word for the week? REVERENCE.
Reverence is the quiet posture of the heart that knows exactly who it is standing before. It is not stiff formality or distant fear. It’s a deep awareness of God’s holiness paired with a humble desire to honor Him rightly. Reverence shapes our thoughts, it reminds us God is not like us. He is holy, powerful, and merciful. It should influence our behavior, calling us to slow down, listen, and worship with intention. It stirs our emotions, filling us with awe, gratitude, and joy.
This is what Nadab and Abihu were missing.
In both the Old and New Testaments, we see a God who invites us near, but never casually. He is loving, yes, but He is also holy (Isaiah 6:3; Acts 5:1–11). Reverence isn’t about earning God’s approval. It’s about recognizing His worth and responding with a surrendered heart.
Another important point is that after the deaths of Aaron’s sons, God spoke directly to Aaron for the first time, instructing him and the other priests not to drink wine or strong drink when entering the Tent of Meeting (Leviticus 10:8–11). Aaron must have struggled to understand why God acted so decisively, especially since his sons had not made prior mistakes. Later in the chapter, Moses discovered that Aaron, in his grief, had disobeyed God by refusing to eat the sin offering (Leviticus 10:16–20). Instead of repenting, he offered excuses for his actions.
And here we are again…why would God allow this to happen?
The truth is, tragedy never makes sense in the moment. But God was growing Aaron as an ambassador who would one day stand before Pharaoh, speak for God, and lead the people.
“The LORD was angry enough with Aaron to destroy him; so I also prayed for Aaron at the same time.”
(Deuteronomy 9:20)
Aaron was no more deserving of life than his sons. At other times, he sinned by criticizing Moses out of a lust for power and repented only after seeing Miriam punished, a punishment he knew he deserved (Numbers 12:1–12). Aaron didn’t always fear God or appreciate His mercy. Yet God, in His grace, chose Aaron anyway. If God could use Aaron, a flawed man, as high priest, He can certainly use you. And, He can certainly use me. WE are a priest for God (1 Peter 2:5, 9). And here lies the real question: If God could use Aaron in all his imperfection, is there any reason why He can’t use you?
And the Jesus whisper in all this? Not only does Hebrews 12:28–29 echo this story, but Acts 5 shows that God still acts decisively at the beginning of new spiritual movements, like He did in Leviticus, to show His seriousness about holiness and truth. Nadab and Abihu’s deaths demonstrate that sinful people cannot approach a holy God however they choose. This anticipates our need for a perfect mediator and perfect sacrifice. THANK YOU, JESUS!! Jesus embodied perfect reverence, sanctifying the Father’s name in His life and death (John 17:4; John 12:27–28).
Lastly, the difference between Chapter 9 and Chapter 10 wasn’t God’s character. It was the posture of the people’s hearts. (Ouch.)
REFLECTION: Ready to look internally?
Here are some questions to reflect on:
Do I come before God with reverence, or just out of routine?
How can I cultivate awe and honor in my daily worship?
PRAYER:
Lord, forgive me for the times I’ve brought you my version of worship rather than my surrendered heart. Teach me to honor Your holiness, to approach You with awe, and to walk in obedience. God, teach me to revere You rightly…not from fear of punishment, but from awe of Your goodness and holiness. Let my heart, mind, and actions reflect the honor You are due. Lead me in a way where my intent with worship is sincere, surrendered, and full of wonder. It’s in your beautiful name, Jesus, I pray. Amen.