For me it is not easy to read Leviticus and to fully
engage with the elaborate sacrificial system. Although complex, however, God’s
instructions are clear and there is a defined purpose for it: the sacrifices
are put in place to enable a relationship with him. The sacrificial system is
therefore part of God’s gracious provision for his people, rather than a
complicated nuisance.
In Leviticus 10, immediately after the glory of the Lord
appeared, we read about the shocking deaths of Aaron’s two oldest sons, when
they offered unauthorised fire contrary to God’s command. The notes in the NIV
study Bible remind us that although their deaths may seem harsh, like in the
case of Ananias and Saphira (Ac 5:1-11) a new era was being inaugurated and the
new community had to be made aware that it existed for God, not vice versa.
Psalm 11 reminds us that God’s rule is righteous. God’s anger too is always an
expression of his righteousness (unlike our anger…). Also, we read in Proverbs
25 that it is to God’s glory that man cannot understand his ways.
The quietly nagging question “Were their actions really
that bad?” is therefore another sign of our rebellion and ultimately
confirmation that God’s judgement is just and righteous. God cannot be measured
in human terms.
Thank you God, that you are just and righteous and that
through Jesus’ atoning sacrifice we can have a perfect relationship with you. Amen.
(member of a mums’
group)