Living in Holiness: Understanding God's Call to His People
In Leviticus 20:26, we find a powerful and profound declaration: "You must be holy because I, the Lord, am holy. I have set you apart from all other people to be my very own." This call to holiness is not just an ancient command; it is a timeless invitation to align our lives with the nature and character of God. But what does it mean to be holy, and how can we achieve it in our daily lives?
The Path to Holiness
Holiness is not something we can attain through our own efforts. The only way you and I can be holy and whole is through faith in Jesus Christ, the only acceptable sacrifice for sin. This truth is vividly illustrated in the story of Nadab and Abihu in Leviticus 10:1-3:
Nadab and Abihu's Disobedience: Aaron’s sons, Nadab and Abihu, put coals of fire in their incense burners and sprinkled incense over them, disobeying the Lord by burning before him the wrong kind of fire, different than he had commanded.
God’s Judgment: Fire blazed forth from the Lord’s presence and consumed them. Moses then explained to Aaron that this was what the Lord meant when he said, "I will display my holiness through those who come near me. I will display my glory before all the people."
This passage underscores the seriousness of approaching God with reverence and obedience. Nadab and Abihu’s fate serves as a stark reminder that God’s holiness is not to be taken lightly.
A Holy Nation: Our Identity in Christ
In 1 Peter 2:9, we are reminded of our identity and purpose as followers of Christ: "But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light."
Being set apart as a holy nation means we are called to reflect God’s character in our lives. We are not to be like the world, but to be distinct, showing others the goodness of God through our actions and words.
Examining Our Lives: Are We Playing with Strange Fire?
To truly embrace our calling, we must ask ourselves: Are we playing with "strange fire"? To answer this, we need to understand three key concepts:
Raised in Church Doesn’t Equal Being the Church: Growing up in a Christian environment or attending church regularly does not automatically make us true followers of Christ. Being the church means living out our faith authentically and consistently, embodying the values and teachings of Jesus in every aspect of our lives.
Comfortable Christianity Isn’t Biblical Christianity: The call to follow Christ is not a call to comfort. Biblical Christianity often requires sacrifice, discomfort, and stepping out in faith. It challenges us to go beyond our comfort zones, to serve others selflessly, and to stand firm in our convictions, even when it’s difficult.
There Is No Substitute for the Authentic Fire of God: Nadab and Abihu’s mistake was trying to substitute God’s prescribed way of worship with their own. Similarly, we must seek the authentic presence and power of God in our lives, rather than settling for superficial substitutes. This means prioritizing genuine relationship with God through prayer, worship, and obedience to His Word.
Conclusion: Embracing God’s Holiness
Nadab and Abihu were meant to represent God to the people, but their reckless behavior led to their downfall. Even in His judgment, God showed mercy by upholding His holiness and setting an example for future generations. God’s holiness is not just about His perfection, but also about His love and wholeness. As we strive to be holy, we reflect His nature and draw others to His light.
Let us embrace our calling to be a holy people, set apart for God’s purposes. May we live lives that reflect His holiness, showing the world the goodness and love of our Savior.
