Self Control

Leviticus 10-12; Acts 16

“…’You and your sons are not to drink wine or other fermented drink whenever you go into the Tent of Meeting, or you will die. This is a lasting ordinance for the generations to come. You must distinguish between the holy and the common, between the unclean and the clean, and you must teach the Israelites all the decrees the Lord has given them through Moses.”

Leviticus 10:8-11

Fermented drink offerings were a daily part of worship sacrifices at the tabernacle and temple. However, the death of Aaron’s sons, Nadab and Abihu, who were intoxicated when they offered unauthorized fire/incense in the Tabernacle, was a ‘sober’ statement to the succeeding generations of priests that they could not be casual about their duties in the presence of the Lord. The priests were given the leftover drink offerings. However, when they were in the tabernacle, teaching the people or offering discernment on the application of the law, fermented drink was forbidden. As the people of God, we, too, must exercise self-control in our consumption of fermented drink, recognizing that ministry to the Lord and to others comes before our personal freedoms or desires. We, too, have been set apart as holy to the Lord.

“Lord Jesus, I choose self-control, for your glory.”