Follow God's Instructions

Aaron’s sons Nadab and Abihu put coals of fire in their incense burners and sprinkled incense over them. In this way, they disobeyed the Lord by burning before him the wrong kind of fire, different than he had commanded. So fire blazed forth from the Lord’s presence and burned them up, and they died there before the Lord. [Leviticus 10.1-2]

Wow, when God says do something a certain way, I guess He means it!

I think our modern culture and Christianity in particular have no idea just how important it is to follow God's instructions. 

The thing is, the instructions have changed since Moses' time. No longer are God's people to worry with sacrifices and offerings as prescribed in the Old Testament. The veil between God and man has been removed.

BUT! There remains a right way and a wrong way to relate to God! First, and most importantly, we must come to God in the name of Jesus. Unless we approach God based on the work of Jesus on our behalf, then we have no hope and we have no relationship with God. Jesus was very clear that those who come to the Father must come through Him (Jesus - John 14.6).

Along these same lines, Jesus was very clear that we are to live by faith. Jesus commanded us to pray and believe. He often scolded people for their lack of faith. The writer of Hebrews pointed out that without faith, it is IMPOSSIBLE to please God (Hebrews 11.6).

While, at first, a relationship with God seems quite simple today compared to Old Testament times, I think perhaps we have judged too quickly. Anyone who has tried to walk and live by faith knows that it is a challenge. Almost everything in modern life and society works against faith. At least with the OT sacrifices, the people knew if they got it right or wrong. Faith affords a lot more unknowns - and rightfully so - it is, after all, faith.

Father, I want to live by faith. I understand that while I am not bound to sacrifices and offerings, I am bound to believe. I am bound to trust You. I am bound to accept the work of Christ on my behalf. I am bound to live my life by faith in Christ. Please help me!