Holiness in service is imperative. If we do not serve the Lord in holiness, there will be consequences as seen in Nadab and Abihu’s case. The strange fire they offered was an indication of rebellion toward God’s commands. Their punishment teaches us to view God’s requirements regarding holiness in our service to Him.

1. Holiness requires soberness (Lev 10:8-11)

The priests were instructed not to “drink wine nor strong drink” (Lev 10:9) to maintain a clear distinction between being holy and unholy. They were held to a higher standard of holiness as they were tasked to teach God’s Word. This soberness was necessary both for their sacred duties at the altar and for their role as teachers of God’s Word to the children of Israel. They were to demonstrate the difference between being clean and unclean, especially as dedicated servants. As a royal priesthood, we believers are called to live soberly, handle God’s Word with clarity, and live out holiness in our life through our conduct and service.

2. Holiness requires obedience (Lev 10:12-15)

Despite the disruption caused by Nadab and Abihu’s offering, Moses reiterated God’s commands about the sacrifices. They were to proceed without personal grief so that the Lord’s holy service would not be hindered.

The devil may trick us into disqualifying ourselves from service, deeming ourselves unfit for service because of our sins. Note that after we have repented of our sins, and have received God’s forgiveness, we must forsake sin, and in obedience quickly return to the service which God did not disqualify us from. We must not let guilt distract us from returning to service if the Lord wants us to continue in that service.

3. Holiness requires discernment (Lev 10:16-20)

In light of what Nadab and Abihu had done, Moses recognised that God accepted Aaron’s offering as it reflected Aaron’s inward understanding of God’s laws and the seriousness of sin. Aaron’s offering was not just a ritual. He portrayed wisdom and discernment in his offering. Obedience requires grasping fully God’s principles and to be convicted in doing what is right. It must not be a mechanical kind of obedience. Hence, the Lord accepted Aaron’s offering as it came from a heart of genuine repentance and understanding. This discernment in our heart is essential for our true application of God’s principles. We are not to just merely observe rules.

Holiness is a reality, and we must live it out in soberness, in obedience and with discernment.