But It's Just...!

Imagine the glory that accompanied the beginning of the priesthood under the old law. Aaron and his sons were adorned in beautiful priestly garments. They were given the privilege of being intermediaries between the people and God. They were charged with a holy service. And as they were consecrated for their service to God, the glory of the Lord appeared to the people as the offering of Aaron was accepted. ( Leviticus 9:23-24) What an awesome thing to have been able to behold. But…! Oh, how different life might be without the word “but”. Things were beginning well “but” then how quickly things can change.

In the very next chapter we read…
“(1) Now Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, each took his censer and put fire in it and laid incense on it and OFFERED UNAUTHORIZED FIRE BEFORE THE LORD, which he had NOT COMMANDED them. (2) And fire came out from before the Lord and consumed them, and they died before the Lord.” ( Leviticus 10:1-2 ESV)

Some might say, “It was just fire. What difference did it make?” The New Living translation refers to it as “different” fire. What was it different from? The King James Version calls it “strange” fire. Was there something unusual about it? The English Standard Version’s rendering of “unauthorized” fire clearly cues us in that this fire was different than what God desired or had commanded. God’s response to the situation also reveals how serious He is with regard to His commands being carried out.

There are many who claim to believe in God yet live as though what God has said really makes no difference. Regardless of how small or simple something might appear to us, if God has spoken regarding it, who are we to think our way is better? If we think it to be a simple thing, why not just SIMPLY DO IT! Remember how Naaman at first refused to do the simple thing that he was told to do. It was just water! There were other rivers nearer his home! However, it was when Naaman was willing to submit to the message of God’s prophet Elisha that he received the benefit. ( 2 Kings 5:10-14)

God, in His great wisdom, has revealed to us that which will always bring about our greatest benefit. We may not understand the “why” with regard to all the commands of God. Nevertheless, what God has spoken is to be accepted. Any specific He has given He expects to be carried out. It may be “just” fire or “just” water, but if that is what He has commanded it is “just” what He expects to be done. May we always be ready to SIMPLY DO IT!

Have a great day FOCUSED TO DO GOD’S WILL!
Carl

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