Wildfire of Sin
Fire is essential to human survival. The sun itself, by which we receive some of God's life-sustaining energy, is to us a perpetual hydrogen-fueled cauldron of purifying energy. A small controlled fire in our house or out in the field can give us light and warmth. But, fire can also be destructive if not controlled. It can and will consume everything in its path, leaving behind nothing but ashes.
One example of uncontrolled fire is a wildfire. A wildfire is any uncontrolled fire that they takes place outdoors in areas of grassland, woodlands, bush land, scrubland, peat land, and other wooded areas that act as a source of fuel, or combustible material. A wildfire differs from other fires by its extensive size, the speed at which it can spread out from its original source, its potential to change direction unexpectedly, and its ability to jump gaps such as roads, rivers and fire breaks. The four major natural causes of wildfire ignitions are lightning, volcanic eruption, sparks from rock falls, and spontaneous combustion. However, many wildfires are attributed to human sources such as arson, discarded cigarettes, and sparks from equipment, etc. Wildfire is used as a metaphor for things that spread, circulate or disseminate quickly; typically negative, such as: rumors or diseases.
Negative attitudes and behavior can also spread like a wildfire if not corrected immediately. It seems that such was the case with Nadab and Abihu. As we recall Nadab and Abihu were Aaron's sons; as such they were called to be priests. They were part of the solemn ceremony to be consecrated as priests. Next to Moses and Aaron, Nadab and Abihu had stood highest in Israel. They had been especially honored by the Lord, having been permitted with the seventy elders to behold His glory in the mount (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 359). Assisted by his sons, Aaron offered the sacrifices that God required, and he lifted up his hands and blessed the people. All had been done as God commanded, and He accepted the sacrifice, and revealed His glory in a remarkable manner; fire came from the Lord and consumed the offering upon the altar. The people looked upon this wonderful manifestation of divine power with awe and intense interest. They saw in it a token of God's glory and favor, and they raised a universal shout of praise and adoration and fell on their faces as if in the immediate presence of Jehovah (Leviticus 9:22).
At the hour of worship, as the prayers and praise of the people were ascending to God, two of the sons of Aaron took each his censer and burned fragrant incense thereon, to rise as a sweet odor before the Lord. But they transgressed His command by the use of "strange fire." For burning the incense they took common instead of the sacred fire which God Himself had kindled, and which He had commanded to be used for this purpose. For this sin a fire went out from the Lord and devoured them in the sight of the people.
According to Ellen White Nadab and Abihu were not disciplined men. They were lacked self-control. Habits of self-indulgence, long cherished, obtained a hold upon them which even the responsibility of the most sacred office had not power to break. They presumed to be favored of God for the privileges God gave to them. They apparently flattered themselves that their privilege allowed them to do as they wish without being punished. This attitude drove them to drink until they were partially intoxicated. The judgment clouded, they were not able to distinguish right from wrong. The Lord's judgment by the prophet Isaiah fell on them,
Isaias 5:20 Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!
Isaias 5:21 Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!
Isaias 5:22 Woe unto them that are mighty to drink wine, and men of strength to mingle strong drink:
Isaias 5:23 Which justify the wicked for reward, and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him!
Isaias 5:24 Therefore as the fire devoureth the stubble, and the flame consumeth the chaff, so their root shall be as rottenness, and their blossom shall go up as dust: because they have cast away the law of the LORD of hosts, and despised the word of the Holy One of Israel.
Let no one deceive himself with the belief that a part of God's commandments are nonessential, or that He will accept a substitute for that which He has required. Said the prophet Jeremiah, "Who is he that saith, and it cometh to pass, when the Lord commandeth it not?" Lamentations 3:37. God has placed in His word no command which men may obey or disobey at will and not suffer the consequences. If men choose any other path than that of strict obedience, they will find that "the end thereof are the ways of death." Proverbs 14:12.
Less anyone else in the camp thought that the conduct of Aaron's sons was permissible, the Lord destroyed them. The influence of the two was would have been too strong. Their Sin would have spread like wildfire among the children of Israel, with no easy way to stop it. So God showed that service rendered to Him is not to be taken lightly like Nadab and Abihu did. The same applies to us.
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Raul Diaz
www.wolfsoath.com
