Strong Tower
A daily scripture reflection.
Saturday, September 20, 2025
Numbers 3:4 NLT
“But Nadab and Abihu died in the Lord’s presence in the wilderness of Sinai when they burned before the Lord the wrong kind of fire, different than he had commanded. Since they had no sons, this left only Eleazar and Ithamar to serve as priests with their father, Aaron.”
But Nadab and Abihu
Serving in any capacity within God’s vineyard is an honour that should never be taken lightly. However, if it is done with a carefree mindset, the consequences reverberate. Today’s referenced scripture recounts the tragic fate of Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, who met their untimely demise in the presence of the Lord. Their deaths were not due to illness or a lack of divine intervention; instead, they were the direct result of a careless disregard for God’s specific instructions.
These two priests committed a grave error by offering “strange fire” to ignite the altar of incense, which was situated in the holy place, just before the veil that separated the Holy of Holies from the Holy Place. The Lord had explicitly commanded them to take coals of fire from the altar of burnt offerings (Leviticus 16:12). On that fateful day, however, Nadab and Abihu chose to act on their own whims, disregarding the precise instructions given to them and incurred God’s wrath. By using unauthorized fire for their offerings, they not only violated the command but also diminished the sanctity of the worship experience.
Their act of disobedience became a stark warning about the seriousness of adhering to God’s guidance and the potential consequences of taking liberties with sacred responsibilities entrusted to us. This profound incident highlights the importance of sincerity, faithfulness, and a deep commitment to our spiritual responsibilities. It challenges us to reflect on our own obedience in service, reminding us that every aspect of our worship and ministry should be approached with the utmost reverence and adherence to divine instruction.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I pray that my actions will not incur Your wrath when I come into Your presence, but instead receive Your blessings. In Jesus’s name, I pray, Amen.
©️2025 The Chapel of Glory Ministries