Strange Fire
Let only His fire burn—holy, pure, and kindled from above.
Devotional Reflection on Leviticus 10:1-2
Ray Stedman draws us into the sobering story of Nadab and Abihu, two priests whose offering of unauthorized fire led to their death by divine judgment. At first glance, this passage from Leviticus may appear harsh—an image of God many associate with the Old Testament: unpredictable, vengeful, and terrifying.
But Stedman challenges that reaction, inviting us to consider God’s consistent nature of love. His justice is not separated from His love. The fatal fire that consumed these two men was not a tantrum of wrath but a necessary demonstration of truth. These were not innocent mistakes made in ignorance. Nadab and Abihu had been clearly instructed not to offer strange incense. They violated God's command knowingly, and in doing so, distorted God's holy self-revelation to the people.
This event, rare and singular, set a boundary at the very inception of the priesthood. It was God's way of warning: “Do not misrepresent Me. Do not presume upon My grace.” As the foundation of worship was being laid, clarity about God's holiness was non-negotiable. Just as a builder must ensure the first stone is rightly set, so God made it unmistakably clear—He is not to be manipulated or represented according to personal whims. It was an act of love, not cruelty. A cautionary light to guard generations from a slow drift into careless, distorted worship.
What remains for us today is not a fear that fire might fall from heaven—but the sobering reverence that God is still holy. Though we now live under grace, the call to worship in Spirit and truth remains. Presumption has no place before a holy God, and yet—what mercy!—we who are in Christ carry His righteousness and may now draw near.
Personalized Journal Entry in the Holy Spirit’s Voice Through Scripture
I dwell in unapproachable light, and yet I have drawn near to you. In My holiness, I made clear from the beginning that worship is not for spectacle or self-expression, but for alignment—your heart with Mine. When Nadab and Abihu stepped forward with fire of their own making, they did not represent Me. They represented themselves. And I, who do not change, revealed what must never be forgotten: worship is sacred. My name is not to be used as a tool for man’s ambition or arrogance.
But you, child of grace, are not under fear. You stand clothed in Christ, your High Priest, who offered not strange fire but His very life, once and for all. He fulfilled what every incense and offering pointed to. He became the sweet aroma, rising not from presumption, but from perfect obedience. Because of Him, you are accepted. Because of Him, you now serve not in shadows, but in Spirit.
Let your offering be your surrender. Let your fire be the flame I have kindled. Let your worship be the overflow of union, not effort. I do not require performance; I desire participation in what I have already made holy. When you speak, let it be with reverence. When you serve, let it be with joy. When you draw near, remember—it is by grace alone. Never forget that you are My temple, not the one offering smoke, but the dwelling place of My glory.
Live today in holy confidence—not flippant, not fearful—but aware. Aware that My love has not changed. Aware that the fire that once fell to judge, now burns in you to purify, guide, and illumine. I discipline as a Father, not to condemn, but to guard you from error and draw you deeper into truth. In Christ, I have made you clean. Walk, then, in the light as children of the day.
(Leviticus 10:1–2; Exodus 30:7–9; Hebrews 10:19–22; 1 Corinthians 3:16–17; 2 Corinthians 2:14–16; Ephesians 5:8–10; John 4:23–24; Romans 12:1)
Prayer
Father, I rejoice in the grace that allows me to draw near, not with a fire I’ve fashioned, but with the indwelling presence of Your Son. Thank You for making clear through Your Word that worship is not a performance I must perfect, but a surrender I can trust. I want my life to reflect truth, not presumption. So I acknowledge what You’ve already done—You’ve made me a temple. You’ve made worship a response, not a requirement. I rest in the holiness that Christ alone provides, and I receive Your invitation to serve with joy, in reverence, and in Spirit. Let everything I offer today rise from what You have already lit within me.
Devotional Credit: Immeasurably More by Ray Stedman
Photo Credit: Unsplash.com