Leviticus 10:3—“Then Moses said unto Aaron, This is it that the LORD spake, saying, I will be sanctified in them that come nigh me, and before all the people I will be glorified. And Aaron held his peace.”
These solemn words were spoken in the shadow of judgment. Nadab and Abihu, sons of Aaron, had offered “strange fire” before the Lord, worship not commanded, fire not appointed. The result was immediate and severe: fire from the Lord consumed them. At that moment of personal loss, Moses reminded Aaron of a divine principle: “I will be sanctified in them that come nigh me.”
God’s holiness is not negotiable. Those who approach Him must regard Him as holy. The priesthood was a place of privilege, but also of accountability. Nearness to God does not diminish reverence; in fact, it must deepen our reverence for Him.
We must remember, as we draw close to God in worship, that He is jealous for His own glory. Worship must be regulated by His Word, not shaped by human creativity or convenience. To come near wrongly is to misrepresent Him before the people.
When we read “And Aaron held his peace”, it was not indifference, but submission. A grieving father bowed beneath the sovereign hand of God. He did not argue, protest, or accuse. He recognised that the Lord was righteous.
Today’s text confronts our casual spirit. Do we approach worship lightly? Do we assume familiarity where Scripture calls for fear? The God of grace is still the God of holiness. Yet in Christ, we are granted access—not by strange fire, but by the perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
Let us draw near with reverence and godly fear, for our God is a consuming fire, and a glorious Redeemer.
