Unworthy Worship

Weekly Torah Lesson

Parasha: Acharei Mot  After the death
Torah:  V’Yikra 16:1 – 18:30

And Avinu spoke to Moshe after the death of the two sons of Aharon, when they offered before Avinu, and died; (VaYikra 16:1)

The incident mentioned above took place in V’Yikra 10. 

1 And Nadav and Avihu, the sons of Aharon, took both of them his censer, and put fire therein, and put incense thereon, and offered strange fire before Avinu, which he commanded them not (to do). 2  And there went out fire from Avinu, and devoured (consumed) them, and they died before Avinu. (V’Yikra 10:1-2)

The Scriptures are deliberately vague concerning this incident.  Therefore, there are several “theories” about the actual cause of their death. Some say that Nadav and Avihu drank too much wine before they approached Avinu. Others say that the sons put a different incense in their censers and waved it before Avinu. Some say that the sons weren’t dressed properly to approach Avinu.  All three of these “possibilities” are indirectly mentioned in the Scriptures. One thing we know for sure. The sons did something that they weren’t commanded to do and paid a heavy price for their indiscretion.   

Before you start “jumping up and down” and thanking Avinu for “relaxing” His requirements concerning the way that we worship, read this: 

26  For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Master’s death until He comes. 27  Therefore whoever eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and blood of the Master. 28  But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 29  For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Master’s body. 30  For this reason many are weak and sick among you, and many sleep. (1Co 11:26-30)

Could this be true?  Are there people getting sick or dying because of the way they are “taking communion”?

26  For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, 27  but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and fiery indignation which will devour the adversaries. 28  Anyone who has rejected Moses’ law dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. 29  Of how much worse punishment, do you suppose, will he be thought worthy who has trampled the Son of Avinu underfoot, counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing, and insulted the Spirit of grace? 30  For we know Him who said, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Meshiach. And again, “The  Meshiach will judge His people.” 31  It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living Avinu.” (Heb 10:26-31)

We can never worship Avinu on our terms.  He demands the same protocols from us as He did with the sons of Aharon. 

Don’t be fooled…Be careful!