02/24/18 Be Remembered Well?

READING: Numbers 3-5

“But Nadab and Abihu died in the Lord’s presence.”

Numbers 3:4

If your obituary were written today, what would it say? More specifically, what would you want it to say? Would it focus on your family? Your work accomplishments? Your military service? Your Christianity?  

Today’s reading includes a sort of obituary for Nadab and Abihu, Aaron’s sons who “presented unauthorized fire before the Lord in the Wilderness of Sinai” (Num. 3:4). We’ve read their story before, of course. Whatever the “unauthorized fire” was, God was so displeased with it that He consumed them in a fiery judgment—and they would be remembered for that tragedy from that point on. They ended their ministry and life poorly, and their “obituary” thus focused on their disobedience rather than their obedience.

That’s one reason why I want to finish my race well. I’ve seen it happen before—a Christian leader falls morally, and that sin marks the rest of his life. No matter how much good he had done prior to the fall, everyone remembers the failure before they consider his successes. His official obituary may not record the fall, but “fall” and his name become almost synonymous to many people.

That’s not how I want my life and ministry to end. No, I want to live well today so that I end well whenever God chooses to call me home.

ACTION STEPS:

  • Answer for yourself the question that introduces this devotion: “If your obituary were written today, what would it say?”
  • If any temptation to compromise hits you today, refuse to give in. Live today as if you would stand before God today.

PRAYER: “Jesus, I love You. Help me to live well throughout this day.”

TOMORROW’S READING:  Review and get caught up on your reading

 

 

 

 

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