Leviticus 10:1-20

There are constant reminders all through Scripture that leadership is a very dangerous blessing.  Certainly it is a great blessing to be given the opportunity to lead and serve others before the Lord.  However, it is a very dangerous position as James reminds us that leaders will face a greater judgment.  Leaders are given much opportunity therefore they are required to serve with a greater responsibility.  It is a very serious thing when anyone sins, but when a leader sins the consequences are usually very grave and far reaching.  All leaders must recognize this responsibility before the Lord.

GOD STRIKES DOWN AARON’S IRREVERANT SONS: Two of Aaron’s sons burned incense before the Lord using what is called strange fire.  It is not readily clear what kind of fire this was, but the fire for burning this incense was to be taken from the altar.  They obviously did not follow the instructions that they were given in this task, rather they disobeyed and took their responsibility as priests before the Lord lightly.  This irreverent act in the presence of God cost them their lives.  God had told them how they were to worship Him and represent His people before Him and they made a mockery out of His command and the holy place that God had prepared for the purpose of worship.  It is very important that we learn to obey God and worship Him in the manner that He has prescribed and not according to our own understanding.  He has made it very clear that we are to come before Him by faith in the work of Christ on our behalf.  We do not have the liberty of choosing how we will come before God.  We must follow the way that He has revealed and not treat the sacrifice of His Son in a flippant or irreverent manner.

AARON AND HIS FAMILY ARE PROHIBITED FROM MOURNING: Moses commanded that the bodies of Aaron’s sons be taken outside of the camp and buried, but Moses told Aaron not to mourn their deaths publicly.  Tearing his clothing and weeping might have been seen as a sort of protest against the righteous judgment of God.  We must always remember that God is just and that whatever He does is always right.  Aaron and his son’s were to mourn in private while the rest of the congregation reflected on that which God had done.  Certainly the people would have responded with fear and reverence before God.  We may not always understand the way that God deals with us, but we must always trust that whatever He does is right.  We are not in a place to doubt the goodness or the righteousness of God.  It is our job to worship Him; not question Him.

MOSES AND AARON CONFRONT ONE ANOTHER: There were certain sacrifices that Aaron and his family were given to eat as part of God’s provision for them.  This food was to be eaten in a special place.  There were other offerings that were to be offered in their entirety.  Apparently Moses thought that Aaron should have eaten an offering that he burned.  Moses confronted Aaron on this and Aaron explained his reasoning for not eating the sacrifice as he thought that it would be displeasing to the Lord for him to do so.  It is not clear to me exactly who was correct in their interpretation.  Moses seems satisfied with Aaron’s response, but it is clear that the intention of Aaron’s heart was correct.  His mistake was not one of rebellion if indeed there was a mistake.  Moses and Aaron demonstrate for us the importance of clear and direct communication.