Numbers 3-5
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. Let’s pray that none of us would end that way!
RESPONSE: Honor God with your obedient choices today.