One of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do was to consul a shaken mother the day after her son died in a car accident. According to friends in attendance at a party, he only had one beer before leaving. Impaired slightly, this young man couldn’t negotiate the bend on a countryside road, striking a tree head on, dead on arrival to the nearest hospital. My sense is this woman wanted me to assure her that her son was doing well in heaven. Since this boy was missing in action from youth group without any apparent faith, the anguish of her son’s disobedience on earth stirred in her soul.
According to Leviticus 10:1-3, Aaron endured similar trauma, sitting in stunned silence after his 2 oldest sons died suddenly. Not the greatest role model, Aaron’s greatest claim to fame or should I say shame was creating a golden calf, Exodus 32:2-4. Perhaps their father’s hypocrisy encouraged Nadab and Abihu to turn a deaf ear to his instructions. Instead of carefully obeying the words God relayed to Moses, Aaron’s 2 sons began to experiment like 2 curious boys in a chemistry lab. Subsequently, the pain of disobedience cost Nadab and Abihu their life.
Whether its a suicide note left behind for a family, the dairies of a troubled school shooter or victims of drunk driving, the anguish of disobedience is on display daily. The free will of one individual’s action has been felt by several members of society. People are left to wonder what might have been if one out of control human being didn’t cut short the life of their loved one. May the words of Psalm 34:18 provide some comfort this day for anyone still coping with the anguish of disobedience.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 