Abihu

 

    Abihu means "he is my father".  It was a popular name in the early part of the old testament.  This Abihu was one of Aaron's sons that did not obey God.  He and his brother Nadab are remembered by being consumed by God's fire, but that is not their whole story.

    Abihu was the nephew of Moses.  He grew up with a leader for a father and a role model in an uncle, so why did he stray from God?  He had all the options to become a leader of influence, but it seems like all he could see is everything that went wrong in his life.

    Abihu's mother was Elisheba.  Other than Nadab, Abihu had two more brothers: Eleazar and Ithamar.  Abihu and Nadab wanted to be leaders.  They wanted to do good things, but they wanted to do it on their terms.  

    Abihu and Nadab went around God by taking a censers and placing them in fire with incense.  It was to show praise for God, but it was unauthorized.  God had given specific instructions on how to worship Him.  Not just anyone could approach God in those days.  The fire meant for worship rose up and consumed the brothers.  

    The worst part was that their families were not allowed to mourn in public because it was judgment from God that took their lives and not a natural death.  They had to be the leaders and keep the people safe.  The lesson was learned by the people: learn what is Holy, common, clean and unclean to be able to uphold God's standards.  Sometimes the price of sin is immediate, but it is always costly.  The price of sin is always blood and Jesus is the only one that can atone for it.

    Abihu was a priest, but he had not been chosen to lead in the worship.  Biblical leadership is a serious things.  Not everyone gets that honor of service.  To be a leader for God is service because it is not about you.  You are just the spokes person for God to the people.  It is a life of sacrifice.  It still needs to be taken seriously.

Exodus 6:20-23, Leviticus 10:1-7, & Numbers 3:1-5