Aaron’s sons Nadab and Abihu took their censers, put fire in them and added incense; and they offered unauthorized fire before the Lord, contrary to his command. So fire came out from the presence of the Lord and consumed them, and they died before the Lord. Moses then said to Aaron, “This is what the Lord spoke of when he said:
“‘Among those who approach me
    I will be proved holy;
in the sight of all the people
    I will be honored.’”
Aaron remained silent.

Leviticus 10:1-3

It might be a little odd to think of strange as the opposite of holy, but it may be the most apt term. While holy draws association from words like “pure” and “perfect” it simply means “set apart.” That’s why it is an appropriate word for God: he must be set apart in our hearts, a special being, in his own category and kept so intentionally. That’s also why God calls us to be holy (1 Peter 1:16, Leviticus 11:44). We are set apart for his service.

Strange describes a presence among holy things which was not set apart, not merely mundane, but unsanctioned, unwelcome. We must purpose to intentionally set apart the things which belong to God, including ourselves. We must also reject that which God rejects, the strange, and keep him holy in our lives. That is how we honor him.

Ethan Kirl