Then Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, each took his censer and put fire in it, put incense on it, and offered profane fire before the Lord, which He had not commanded them. So fire went out from the Lord and devoured them, and they died before the Lord.
— Leviticus 10:1-2
THESE TWO MEN offered strange fire to God. And their service came to a sudden end as the fire of God consumed them. What was the strange fire they offered? Their fire came from a source other than fire that was kindled spontaneously by God.
It could be that they were just excited and caught up in the emotion of the moment. It is quite possible that they had disobeyed verse 9 of chapter 10 where the Lord commanded, “Do not drink wine or intoxicating drink, you, nor your sons with you, when you go into the tabernacle of meeting, lest you die.” It could be that these boys were a little tipsy and not in full control of their faculties. Or maybe they were motivated by the desire of bringing attention to themselves and to their ministry rather than bringing glory to God.
GOD IS NOT JUST INTERESTED THAT YOU SERVE HIM; HE IS VITALLY INTERESTED IN WHY AND HOW YOU SERVE HIM.
We may earn our living by doing other things, but the real call upon each of us is to serve the Lord.
The question is: What motivates you? From whence is that fire kindled in your heart?
God, help us to serve You with the true fire of Your Spirit burning in our hearts. May we know the joy, the privilege, and the blessing of being an instrument that You have used to minister to others.
Amen.