Read Leviticus 10:1-11. What happened, and what lessons are there for us today?
  
   There are several observations that I had when looking at this passage
  
   1. They offered strange fire before the Lord (10:1)
   2. They offered this fire contrary to the Lords command(10:1)
   3. Those who come near to God must recognize His holiness(10:3)
   4. They could not leave the tent because God's anointing was upon them(10:7)
   5. They had specific behavioral guidelines(10:6)
   6. The were not to drink strong or wine when they came into the tent(10:9)
   7. Not drinking would give them the ability to distinguish between (10:10)
   sacred and profane.
   8. The priests had the responsibility to teach the Israelites the Laws
   of Moses.(10:11)
  
   In looking at these several observations we can draw some conclusions
   and make applications for us today. Though the levitical system has
   been done away with. God at Calvary instituted the priesthood of all
   all believers. (Rev 1:6 ,1 Peter 2:9))Therefore as we look at these
   observations we can apply them to ourselves.
  
   God does not ask us to improve on what He has commanded. If God
   wanted it done another way he what have said so. To take Gods
   law and change it is establish and idol of self.
  
   We see that Nadad and Abihu were consumed for acting contrary
   to as God commanded. They knew God's requirement but they made
   a choice to go against it. They had to suffer the consequences
   of disobedience.
  
   Those who draw nigh to Gods presence must recognize Him as
   holy. Therefore they can not come before Him any kind of way.
   As we have God's Spirit in us are we not His temple? Then
   we take his sanctuary everywhere we go , and in everything
   we do. Should we not also recognize that we live in the
   presence of God.
  
   Also the other priests cold not go out because God's anointing
   was upon them. As God's priests we can not go and do everything
   because Gods anointing us upon us. There are certain things that
   we should not engage ourselves in because of God's anointing upon
   us.
  
   Here the problem with wine and strong drink is that it reduces
   the perception of spiritual things. God did not want his priests
   confused about making distinctions so He commanded them to not
   drink strong drink. We too must not engage in anything that will
   deaden our spiritual perceptions.
  
Read carefully Leviticus 10:10. How can we today distinguish between the holy and the common, between the clean and unclean? Bring your answer to class on Sabbath.
  
   In this passage we understand that there are certain things
   which decrease our ability to make distinctions between the
   sacred and the common.
  
   Here we can take the general principle that your behavior and
   habits have an impact on your ability to make proper decisions.
   It is a know fact that consumption of alcohol impairs your
   judgment.
  
   Also we can be drunk on spiritual wine as well. This spiritual
   wine is the wine of disobedience. When we are in disobedience
   to God we are unable to make these type of distinctions. This
   can be clearly seen from this passage.
  
   Nadab and Abihu where rebellions toward God therefore the were
   unable to perceive what as holy and what was unholy.
  
   This idea essentially is the principle of John 7:17. When we
   approach God with a predisposition to obedience then we are
   able to discern His will.
  
Prayer: Father we thank you that you have allowed us to become a nation of priests.I pray that you will consecrate us to you. Seal us with your law engraved into our hearts written on our minds. Please align our motives and actions with yours and may we minister before your people with reverence and obedience. Thank you for your grace in Jesus name amen.