I am come to send fire on the earth; and what will I, if it be already kindled?

“Nadab and Abihu, two of Aaron's sons, took censers and filled them with embers; then they put incense on top of the fire and presented it to the Eternal One. This was a strange and unauthorized fire that the Eternal did not command them. Flames erupted from before the Eternal and burned up Nadab and Abihu. They both died in the presence of the Eternal One.” (Lev. 10:1-2)

This was after an experience where Aaron and his two sons had presented the sacrifices for the masses, Aaron had blessed the people and both him and Moses entered the congregation temple, blessed the people and the glory of God appeared to all the people as they cried out and fell on their faces (Lev. 9:23).

Perhaps Nadab and Abihu were trying to work up another experience for their own glory rather than the glory of God. Whatever they were doing, it was clear they were not treating God in a sacred and honoring way.

Moses responded about the situation, “This was what the Eternal One was talking about when He said, “By those authorized to come near, I will be treated as sacred. In the eyes of all the people, I will be honored.”

Jean Vanier speaks of a move toward mediocrity that sometimes happens. He notes that community can become like a family as a place of security and comfort where we are conforming to rules, attitudes and certitudes. The community becomes closed up rather than enthusiastic for a mission and God.

In essence, in our routines we learn we can coast along. We go through the motions and we become familiar so we stop putting our whole heart into what we are doing. We have a certain social respectability and form of a people of God but we are no longer really growing and being challenged or challenging each other to live differently.

Jean Vanier writes, “We are called to be a people of conviction, not conformity, of moral nobility, not social respectability. We are commanded to live differently and according to a higher loyalty.”

“He is jealous for a fire on earth as it is in heaven. Come a little closer to the fire” sings in the background.

He is the Eternal Fire that burns before the throne. Jesus refers to himself in Revelation as the One whose eyes blaze like flames of fire and whose feet gleam like brightly polished bronze. In Revelation His church is referred to as the lampstands themselves. Lamps have no fire themselves but need to be set on fire by another source.

We only need to draw near to the Eternal flame to be re-ignited for Him. We need to stop going through our routines and come back to a place of beholding Him in awe. He will eagerly set us on fire for Him again.

Lord, forgive me where I have been going through the motions and offering you less than what you deserve. Sometimes I have been the church hat has been in a “death-sleep: that needs to be awakened. Set us on fire with the light of your love. Help us to behold You more clearly and draw nearer to You.