In God’s sanctuary in the wilderness... - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2026

Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, ... offered profane fire before the LORD, which he had not commanded them. So fire went out from the LORD and devoured them, and they died before the LORD.
Leviticus 10:1.2

In God's sanctuary in the wilderness the fire of the "continual burnt offering" was maintained on the brazen altar day and night, so that the savour of the offering rose up to God unceasingly, and He could dwell in the midst of His people (cf. Exodus 29:38-46). Every other offering by fire had to be burnt over this fire, and the sweet incense that was offered in the sanctuary also had to be burnt exclusively over this fire.

The sin of Nadab and Abihu was that they brought strange fire before the LORD: they did not take the fire in their censers from that of the altar. For this reason they had to endure God's punishment.

Every gathering to the Lord's Name must have Christ as its centre and the Holy Spirit as the driving force, otherwise it cannot meet with the Lord's agreement. Our worship must be in "spirit and truth" to be well-pleasing to God. "Strange fire" is whatever has not been brought through the leading of the Holy Spirit: i.e. through human effort (even with the best intention), self-will or ecclesiastical tradition. The outward form may seem noble and uplifting. But does God see the preciousness of Christ in it and recognise the power of the Spirit, who brings this preciousness before Him? This is the question that the case of Nadab and Abihu raises for us today.

Simplicity of thought and a heart that is receptive to the teaching of the Word of God are the pre-requisites of worship that, in the power of the Holy Spirit, meets with God's approval.

Today's reading: Lamentations 3:25-51 · Psalm 44:18-27