Devotions on F.I.R.E. Year TwoSample

By those who come near Me I must be regarded as holy; and before all the people I must be glorified (Leviticus 10:3 NKJV).

Are you a disrespectful Christian?

In the sacred text of Leviticus 10:3 (NKJV), the Lord declares, "By those who come near Me, I must be regarded as holy; and before all the people, I must be glorified." This sets the stage for a cautionary tale involving Nadab and Abihu, the priestly sons of Aaron. These men, in their disrespectful actions, sinned before the Lord. The consequences were severe, as the Lord's fire consumed them, and they perished before Him (Leviticus 10:2). Their actions, possibly fueled by intoxication, violated the sacred calling they held.

As a former youth pastor and now a pastor, I've witnessed a trend among Christians—disrespecting God's grace. The warning from Proverbs 29:1 (NKJV) echoes loudly: "He who is often rebuked and hardens his neck will suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy." This should serve as a stark reminder that the Lord demands reverence, respect, and a pure heart in our service to Him. Are you like a traveler approaching the edge of a glorious, sacred garden? The entrance is adorned with a sign, "Approach with Reverence." As the traveler takes each step with caution and honor, the beauty of the garden unfolds. Contrast this with another who rushes in disrespectfully, trampling on the delicate blooms, and must be punished. Our Christian journey mirrors this choice—whether we approach God with reverence, recognizing His holiness, or presume upon His grace with careless steps.

Employment Point: Don’t presume upon God’s grace and serve the Lord with a pure heart.