Something grabbed my attention in Exodus 24 this morning. In verses 9-11, we read “Then Moses went up, also Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel, and they saw the God of Israel. And there was under His feet as it were a paved work of sapphire stone, and it was like the very heavens in its clarity. But on the nobles of the children of Israel He did not lay His hand. So they saw God, and they ate and drank.”
The scene that lay before these select men must have been awe-inspiring. Out of the whole nation of Israel, only 74 men were privileged to witness this amazing sight. That elite group included Moses, Aaron and Aaron’s two oldest sons Nadab and Abihu who served as priests in Israel.
But John 1:18 tells us that “no one has seen God at any time.” So how is this possible that these men saw God and lived? Dr. Constable explains, “We must understand the statement that the leaders of Israel saw God in the light of other passages. Perhaps they only saw His feet or, more exactly, a representation of part of God in human form.”
Not only did these men witness this wonderful scene, but they also participated in a meal with the God of the Universe! This was no ordinary meal. The meal was part of the ratification ceremony of God’s covenant with Israel. What a privilege to be chosen to participate in this amazing event!
I don’t know how old Nadab and Abihu were when they witnessed this ceremony. But if this was the beginning of their ministries as priests, I cannot think of a more auspicious commencement to their priestly office.
Although Nadab and Abihu began well, their lives ended tragically!
In Leviticus 10:1-2 we read, “Then Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, each took his censer and put fire in it, put incense on it, and 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.”
Somehow, their lives got off track. Paul warned Timothy about some who had suffered shipwreck with regard to their faith (1 Tim. 1:19). That certainly describes Nadab and Abihu. Thankfully, we have One who is able to keep us from stumbling, and to present us faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy (Jude 24). Let’s keep looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith (Heb. 12:2)!
Blessings,
Bob
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Abide Above
But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us … made us alive together with Christ … and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus. (Eph. 2:4-6).
Believers are not occupying their position! At best, most are trying to attain a victorious position by means of prayer, Bible study, commitment, reconsecration, surrender, and so forth. But the answer is simply to abide where we have already been placed—in our risen Lord Jesus Christ. Abide above, and keep looking down!
Let the facts of your position overwhelm the feelings of your condition.
—Miles Stanford
