Today’s Reading, Leviticus 8-10
Focal Scripture: Leviticus 10:1 “Aaron’s sons Nadab and Abihu each took his own firepan, put fire in it, placed incense on it, and presented unauthorized fire before the Lord, which he had not commanded them to do.”
Being in ministry comes with certain expectations. The job is not complicated but it can be very difficult and very demanding. The Bible tells us how we are expected to live, lead, and teach. The problem that I have seen in my time in ministry are people who claim to be called but have no heart to honor the Lord. For instance, I have been around pastors who have openly said they don’t like to preach. It is just something that they know they have to do for their position. I have also seen people who do not model a life of obedience or prayer. Then they wonder why the church struggles to reach people. I have also seen ministers who believe that activities and being busy are a sign of health.
In today’s reading we see what happens when the priest of God violate the standard that has been set for them as leaders. Aaron’s sons knew how to set up an offering. They knew what was expected from them as leaders. However, instead of following the Lord’s direction they chose to burn a fire for the offering that was not allowed. They decided to do things their way. This choice led to their death. Their disregard for the Lord’s directions had to be dealt with. The strange fire they created was a violation of Gods standard for offerings.
How does this apply to our current context? I want to acknowledge that the Bible doesn’t give exact ways on how to do pastoral ministry but it does give guidelines. A pastor is expected to meet the biblical qualifications. He is to be a man above reproach. He should be able to preach. He can’t be an angry person. They also have to be a person who genuinely loves others. The pastor must be willing to train and lead others to a deeper faith. Gossip is not allowed and being a person who loves power and control is a disqualification.
I bring this up because to many churches and ministries have people in leadership who are bringing their own strange fire to the worship gathering. I once was on staff with an individual who would routinely be angry about everything. They had a reputation for being extremely rude to anyone who disagreed with them about life or ministry. I once witnessed this person speak to someone publicly at a restaurant in one of the most demeaning and disrespectful ways I have ever seen. I was embarrassed for the position and the fact he represented the office of pastor.
I tell this story because one day that person and church will have to give an account for not following the standard the Lord has set for ministry leaders. They have decided to follow their own standard. I challenge you to make sure that your leaders are following biblical principles. Why? Because leaders of churches should be held accountable for how they teach, speak, act, and treat others. If they are not it diminishes the position. It stains the calling.
Any disobedience to the Lords direction will be dealt with and it will be dealt with severely. Strange fire is a lesson that everyone must pay very close attention to when leading worship.
Tomorrow, I plan on reading Leviticus 11-13
