The Fire that Must Never Go Out (Leviticus 6:8-12)
The passage opens with a seemingly mundane instruction: keeping the fire on the altar burning constantly. This fire symbolizes our ongoing devotion to God. It's not a one-time event, but a continuous act of dedication.
The Contrast: Strange Fire and True Worship (Exodus 2 & Leviticus 10)
The sermon then uses contrasting stories from Exodus to illustrate the difference between "strange fire" and a genuine worship lifestyle.
Moses' Intervention (Exodus 2): Here, Moses acts out of anger and personal judgment.
The Burning Bush (Exodus 3): This encounter highlights God's initiative and Moses' curiosity. He approaches the wonder with reverence, not with a pre-determined agenda.
The "strange fire" of Leviticus 10 represents worship offered on our own terms, fueled by personal motives rather than a genuine desire to connect with God.
Key Questions for Reflection:
Do you have the spiritual curiosity of Moses at the burning bush? Are you open to encountering God in unexpected ways?
What's burning behind you? Are there unresolved issues or past hurts that hinder your worship?
What's burning in front of you? What is God calling you towards?
What's burning ahead of you? Do you approach the future with fear or with a sense of God's leading?
From the Ashes: Cultivating a Worship Lifestyle
By letting go of the "strange fire" of self-reliance and embracing a posture of open-hearted devotion, we can cultivate a true worship lifestyle – a life that burns brightly with love for God and reflects his light in the world.
This blog post is just a starting point for your reflection. We encourage you to revisit the sermon slides and delve deeper into the scriptures for a richer understanding.
