Nadab and Abihu’s deaths at the altar in the course of their duties manifests a different motus operandi Dei than that which is marketed to Christians and pagans alike in my collective ecclesiastical experiences. Two basic understandings of God, that He is a consuming fire holding more dearly His glory and name than the temporary well-being of his creatures and the lonely God of love, love, love (all we need is love, love is all we need) begging and pleading for souls to give him attention and help him help them discover better homes and gardens are utterly incompatible. I fear that in my earnest, well-meaning endeavors to “fall more and more in love with God” I may have dismissed Biblical data in favor of more positive and encourage aphorisms about God. I wonder if my theology account for the Old Testament teachings about God as well as the more familiar New Testament teachings. Am I willing to change? Is anyone else experiencing this or similar tension?
This tension, however, offers an excellent opportunity to prepare to confront misconceptions which may be held by congregants placed under our care as pastors. As we approach difficult issues as this, much can be learned from the intellectual struggles in our own minds that will assist us in teaching others. That is of course if we’re honest with ourselves.
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