The Choices of Ham, Nadab, and Abihu [New Year’s Eve Service]

This passage deals with two events: Noah's son Ham mocking his father's shameful state and being cursed, and Nadab and Abihu, sons of the priest Aaron, disobeying God's command and coming under judgment. The sermon focuses on how, although they had all received special blessings and opportunities, they lost that grace through pride and a lack of character.

The sermon explains that God gives a mission and opportunities even to people of evil character in order to bring the full measure of their sin to light and to judge them fairly. Just as a cup of water fills up and overflows, the sin that has built up day by day comes out in a final act, and that becomes the moment of judgment. It also warns that the spiritual heritage of parents or of those who went before does not automatically protect one's own character, and can even become an occasion for pride.

The sermon asks how believers should manage the opportunities of blessing they have received. It leads us to reflect on what comes of living without gratitude for the grace God has given and without a humble character, taking our circumstances for granted.