Honoring God with Reverence and Devotion
Morning: Leviticus 10-12
Evening: Matthew 26:1-19
Leviticus 10-12 reveals the seriousness of approaching God with reverence. Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, offered “strange fire” before the Lord and were struck down for their disobedience (Leviticus 10:1-2). This moment serves as a sobering reminder that worship is not to be taken lightly—God desires obedience and holiness.
In Matthew 26:1-19, we see a contrasting act of devotion. A woman anoints Jesus with costly ointment, an act that others criticized, but Jesus commended her, saying, “She hath wrought a good work upon me” (Matthew 26:10). Her sacrifice was costly, yet it was received with favor because it was offered with love and honor.
These two accounts teach us a vital lesson: how we approach God matters. He desires more than empty rituals—He seeks hearts that are fully devoted to Him. Whether through worship, obedience, or sacrificial love, we must honor God in a way that pleases Him.
Key Insights:
- God Desires Obedience Over Performance – Nadab and Abihu’s downfall was not their offering itself but their disobedience in how they approached God (1 Samuel 15:22).
- True Worship Comes from the Heart – The woman’s anointing of Jesus was an act of pure devotion. Jesus values worship that comes from a sincere heart rather than outward appearances.
- Sacrifice for God is Never Wasted – While others saw the anointing as a waste, Jesus saw it as a beautiful act of worship. What we give to God in love is never in vain.
- Reverence and Love Go Hand in Hand – Just as obedience shows reverence, extravagant love shows devotion. We must balance both in our walk with Christ.
- Our Offerings Reveal Our Priorities – Whether it’s time, resources, or our lives, what we offer to God reflects what we truly value.
Connection to Other Scripture:
- 1 Samuel 15:22 – “Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.”
- John 4:23 – “But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.”
- Mark 12:30 – “And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.”
Questions to Reflect On:
- Am I approaching God with reverence and obedience, or am I careless in my worship?
- What is my heart’s attitude when I give to God—am I giving out of love or obligation?
- Have I ever withheld something from God because I feared it would be “wasted”?
- How can I show my devotion to God in a way that honors Him?
- Am I more focused on religious rituals, or am I truly seeking a relationship with God?
A Prayer for Today:
Heavenly Father, help me to approach You with a heart of reverence and devotion. Let my worship be pure, my obedience sincere, and my love extravagant. May I never take Your holiness lightly but honor You in all I do. Teach me to give You my best, knowing that nothing offered in love is ever wasted. Keep my heart aligned with Yours, that my life may be a pleasing sacrifice to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.