READING:
One-year plan: Leviticus 10-13
Two-year plan: Esther 1-3, Acts 16:16-34
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Today’s devotion continues yesterday’s story about Aaron’s sons who “did everything the Lord had commanded through Moses” (Lev 8:36) – at least for a while. Here is the other side of the story. Leviticus 10 describes the failure of Nadab and Abihu, who offered “strange fire” on the altar; that is, they somehow offered a sacrifice in a way God did not intend. In fact, the text describes their actions this way: they “presented unauthorized fire before the Lord, which He had not commanded them to do” (Lev 10:1).
Don’t miss that last phrase that so dramatically differs from the multiple affirmations of obedience in the preceding chapters. Nadab and Abihu went against the commands of God, and it cost them their lives in judgment. As the people of God began their sacrificial system, Nadab and Abihu decided to try their own plan — and God would not allow it. He expected them to do His work His way.
The rules haven’t changed for us. We really have only two options: do all God commands, or disobey Him. Even the devil knows that our partial obedience to God is still full disobedience.
PERSONAL REFLECTION: Do you ever think about “partial obedience” to God?
DAILY PRAYER: “Father, I pray again today that I will follow you faithfully—and without choosing my own way.”
TOMORROW’S READINGS:
One-year plan: Leviticus 14-16
Two-year plan: Esther 4-7, Acts 16:35-17:9
MEMORIZATION VERSE (Feb 1-15):
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)
*portions first published in 2016