Offering Strange Fire

Leviticus 10:1-3 (NKJV)

Then Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, each took his censer and put fire in it, put incense on it, and offered profane fire before the Lord, which He had not commanded them.

So fire went out from the Lord and devoured them, and they died before the Lord.

And Moses said to Aaron, “This is what the Lord spoke, saying:

‘By those who come near Me
I must be regarded as holy;
And before all the people
I must be glorified.’ ”

So Aaron held his peace.

In the above scripture, we learn of two individuals, Nahab and Abihu, sons of Aaron, who each took their censers, filled them with fire, and offered “strange fire” before the Lord—fire that God had not commanded. The consequence was immediate and severe: fire came forth from the Lord and consumed them, resulting in their deaths.

This dramatic incident underscores the serious nature of approaching God in a way that is careless and self-willed, lacking the reverence He deserves.

So what exactly was their sin? Nadab and Abihu acted presumptuously, approaching God on their own terms rather than on His. Their offering was not only unauthorized but also disregarded the holiness required in worship. This account reminds us that God’s presence demands careful and obedient reverence. Worship is not merely a human expression; it must align with God’s standards, reflecting His holiness rather than our own preferences.

Many rituals and worship styles in mordern churches today can be akin to “offering strange fire,” where the focus drifts from glorifying God to satisfying human desires, cultural trends, or personal experiences. This story prompts us to ask: are our worship practices rooted in reverence for God, or are they designed to fulfill our own preferences? Are we truly honoring God, or merely performing rituals for our own pleasure?

Nadab and Abihu’s actions serve as a sober warning that worship is not to be taken lightly. True worship demands reverence, obedience, and alignment with the standards set by God’s Word. As believers, we are called to examine our practices and consider whether our worship brings glory to God or merely caters to our own interests.

It is wise to always ask ourselves if what we are doing ultimately brings glory to God or to ourselves.

Many of the insights in this book are inspired by a conference titled “Strange Fire,” held by Grace Community Church under the leadership of John MacArthur. I highly recommend watching the available videos online or reading the book (Strange Fire: The Danger of Offending the Holy Spirit with Counterfeit Worship) for further edification. This conference helped me unlearn certain misconceptions and false teachings I had picked up, opening my heart and mind to the richness of God’s mercy, His holy attributes, and His unfailing love.