February 3 - Leviticus 8-10:20

I wonder what the people thought when Aaron was lifted up in front of them and ordained as their high priest?  Did they marvel at God's forgiveness?  Or did they whisper and murmur among themselves about his sin?  Isn't this the guy who made us the idol and then came up with the crazy story that it sprang out of the fire?  

What did they think?  What do we think?  

Aaron's sin would be forgiven.  But not that of his sons.  Nadab and Abihu die because they offer unauthorized fire before the Lord.  (Leviticus 10:1-3)  I've heard this story used before to underscore that we must be careful about how we worship -- to support singing without using musical instruments.  But I think there's more going on here.  This was more than just doing what God had said not to do.  I mean, look at what their father had done.  If God follows His nature, it was a matter of the heart.  And what was in their hearts?  Did they not take God seriously because their father had so openly disobeyed with the crafting and worship of the calf?  Did the sin of their father somehow influence their behavior?  Did Aaron wonder the same thing?  And is that why the Bible records after the Lord consumes his sons with fire..."Aaron remained silent"?

As a father, I grieve for Aaron and pray that my sins are not punished to the second and third and fourth generations.