Worship That Costs Something
Leviticus 10:1–3
Introduction:
What do you think of when you hear the word “worship”? For many, it brings to mind music, a church service, or a favorite song that stirs the heart. But worship is far more than melodies and lyrics. Worship is about the posture of the heart before a holy God. It’s about what we bring, how we bring it, and to whom we offer it.
In our culture, we often associate worship with how we feel. Was the music good? Did the message speak to me? Did I enjoy the experience? But in Leviticus 10, we are confronted with a sobering reminder: worship is not primarily about our preferences—it’s about God’s presence.
The story of Nadab and Abihu, two sons of Aaron, stands as one of the most startling moments in all of Scripture. They offered what Leviticus 10:1 calls “unauthorized fire” before the Lord—worship on their own terms. And what happened? Fire came from the Lord’s presence and consumed them.
Why such a severe response? Because God is holy, and worship is sacred. Their actions remind us that how we approach God matters deeply.
This passage teaches us three powerful truths about worship that we would do well to recover in our own time. Let’s explore what it means to bring God worship that is acceptable, reverent, and costly.
1. Worship Must Be Grounded in Obedience
Leviticus 10:1 says, “Aaron’s sons Nadab and Abihu took their censers, put fire in them and added incense; and they offered unauthorized fire before the Lord, contrary to His command.”
They didn’t offer pagan worship. They didn’t deny God’s existence. They simply did what He hadn’t commanded.
In other words, they worshiped sincerely—but not obediently. And in doing so, they dishonored God’s holiness.
A pilot who is just a few degrees off course will eventually arrive at the wrong destination—even if they are flying with confidence. In the same way, worship that veers even slightly from God’s direction can ultimately lead us away from Him, not toward Him.
Application: Worship is not just about sincerity—it’s about submission. True worship means offering God what He desires, not what we prefer. John 4:24 reminds us that the Father seeks those who will worship Him “in spirit and in truth.”
So what is the “truth” we’re to follow in worship? It begins with a right view of who God is—which leads us to the second principle.
2. God’s Holiness Demands Reverence
Leviticus 10:2–3 tells us, “Fire came out from the presence of the Lord and consumed them, and they died before the Lord. Moses then said to Aaron, ‘This is what the Lord spoke of when He said: Among those who approach me I will be proved holy; in the sight of all the people I will be honored.’”
God is not to be approached flippantly. He is not a peer or a performer. He is the Almighty, enthroned in holiness.
You don’t walk into a courtroom chewing gum and wearing pajamas. You don’t enter a military briefing with your feet on the table. Why? Because your environment calls for respect. So how much more when we enter the presence of the King of Kings?
Application: Reverence isn’t about being stiff or stoic. It’s about being aware. Aware of God’s greatness. Aware of His worth. Aware that this is holy ground. Does our worship reflect awe? Do our hearts bow before the majesty of God—or have we become too casual?
And finally, true worship always comes with a cost—not because God demands payment, but because love always gives its best. Let’s look at the third truth.
3. Our Worship Should Reflect His Worth
When Nadab and Abihu brought their offering, they made the fatal mistake of thinking that proximity was enough. They were priests. They were part of the worship team, so to speak. But they offered God something careless—something less than what He had commanded.
True worship is costly. It involves sacrifice. It means bringing God our first, our best, our heart, our obedience.
Romans 12:1 says, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.”
Think of someone in love. They don’t bring cheap gifts. They bring what communicates value. Worship is how we say, “God, You’re worth it. You’re worth my time, my energy, my surrender.”
Application: Is our worship reflective of His worth? Or have we settled for convenience over consecration? Worship that costs nothing will often mean nothing. But worship that is costly is deeply meaningful to God.
Conclusion:
The tragic story of Nadab and Abihu reminds us that worship is not about preference, performance, or proximity—it’s about purity of heart and obedience of spirit.
God is holy. And He deserves holy worship.
But here’s the good news: while Nadab and Abihu’s story ends in judgment, our story is shaped by grace. Jesus has made a way. He is our High Priest, our Mediator, and the One who offers Himself as the perfect offering on our behalf. Because of Him, we can now approach God—not with fear, but with awe. Not with shame, but with reverence.
Let’s not give God strange fire. Let’s give Him surrendered hearts. Let’s not settle for convenience. Let’s press into costly worship. Let’s not lose the awe. Let’s recapture reverence.
He is still holy. He is still worthy. Let’s worship like it.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, forgive us for the moments we’ve made worship about us—about our feelings, our preferences, our convenience. Forgive us when we’ve lost sight of Your holiness. Today, we offer You our hearts—fully, freely, and reverently. Teach us to worship in spirit and in truth. Let our lives be living sacrifices. And may our worship never be common—but always a reflection of Your worth. In Jesus’ name, amen.