GOD'S GLORY

A Response to "God's Glory"

The Promise of His Glory

What shall happen if you have followed the Lord's instructions? Moses told the people, "When you have followed the Lord's instructions, his glory will appear to you." This is a promise that still holds true today. When we obey God, when we follow His commands, when we walk in His ways, we position ourselves to see His glory. His glory is not just a distant concept; it is a tangible manifestation of His presence. It is the weight of His holiness. It is the radiance of His character. It is the power of His love. And He promises to reveal His glory to those who obey Him.

The Sequence of Obedience and Glory

What did Aaron and Moses do before the glory of God appeared? Aaron blessed the people and came down from the altar. Then Moses and Aaron went into the Tabernacle, and when they came out again, they blessed the people. And the glory of the Lord appeared to the whole assembly. Then fire came from the Lord and consumed the burnt offering and fat on the altar. When the people saw it, they all shouted and fell flat upon the ground before the Lord. The sequence is clear: obedience, then blessing, then the manifestation of God's glory. Aaron and Moses did what God commanded. They blessed the people. They entered His presence. They came out and blessed again. And then the glory appeared. The fire fell. The offering was consumed. The people worshiped. This is the pattern for us. When we obey, we experience His glory. When we follow His instructions, we see His power.

The Duties of the Priest

What were the duties of Aaron, the priest? His duties were to arbitrate for the people, to teach them the difference between what is holy and what is ordinary, what is pure and what is impure, and to teach them all the laws the Lord had given through Moses. The priest was not just a performer of rituals; he was a teacher and a mediator. He was to help the people understand God's standards. He was to guide them in holiness. He was to show them the difference between the sacred and the secular, between purity and impurity. This is still the calling of spiritual leaders today. We are to teach God's Word, to guide His people, and to help them walk in obedience.

The Danger of Contrary Actions

What shall happen if you do contrary to the Lord's instructions? Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, placed unholy fire in their censers, laid incense on the fire, and offered the incense before the Lord—contrary to what the Lord had just commanded them. So fire blazed forth from the presence of the Lord and destroyed them. This is a sobering warning. They were priests. They were leaders. They were sons of Aaron. But they disobeyed God's clear instructions. They offered strange fire, fire that God had not commanded. They acted presumptuously. And they paid the ultimate price. The fire that consumed the offering on the day of obedience also consumed the disobedient priests on the day of rebellion. God is not to be trifled with. His instructions are not suggestions. His commands are not optional.

The Meaning of God's Judgment

Then Moses said to Aaron, "This is what the Lord meant when he said, 'I will show myself holy among those who approach me, and I will be glorified before all the people.'" And Aaron was speechless. God's judgment on Nadab and Abihu was not an act of cruelty; it was an act of holiness. God was showing that He is holy. He was demonstrating that those who approach Him must do so with reverence and obedience. He was glorified before the people. His holiness was vindicated. His authority was established. Aaron, the father of the two men, was speechless. He could not defend them. He could not excuse them. He could only bow in silence before the holiness of God.

The Call to Obedience

This passage is a call to obedience. It is a reminder that God's instructions matter. His commands are not arbitrary; they are given for our protection and blessing. When we obey, we see His glory. When we disobey, we face His judgment. The same fire that consumed the offering can also consume the offender. The same presence that brings blessing can also bring judgment. We must approach God with reverence. We must follow His instructions carefully. We must not offer strange fire or act presumptuously.

Final Reflection

God's glory is revealed to those who obey. His presence is manifested to those who follow His instructions. But His holiness is also demonstrated in judgment against those who disobey. Let us not be like Nadab and Abihu. Let us not offer strange fire. Let us not act presumptuously. Let us obey God's commands, follow His instructions, and walk in His ways. Then we will see His glory. Then His presence will be manifested. And we will worship Him in reverence and awe.

Prayer for Obedience and Reverence

Lord, help me to obey Your instructions with care and reverence. Help me not to offer strange fire or act presumptuously. Teach me to follow Your commands and to walk in Your ways. Let me see Your glory as I obey You. Protect me from the judgment that comes from disobedience. I want to approach You with a humble and obedient heart. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.