Prayer Journal
Saturday, October 7, 2000
When a leader of Israel was about to do something questionable, they knew from history that offending God was not a good thing. However, without clarity of a particular course of action, the kings searched for the "right" decision.
Some of you may not know this, but God provided a way that the High Priest would absolutely know God's leading. The breastplate and ephod worn by the Priest was called the "breastplate of judgment". Two stones called the Urim and the Thummin, were either mounted above the twelve memorial stones (representing the twelve tribes) or held in a container somewhere on the garment.
These stones were called "decision stones". There is very little known about how they actually operated. But one thing is known, when the leader of the people had a question, he could go to the High Priest and find the answer.
Some believe the urim and thummin would glow in response to a question asked while the High Priest was holding his two hands over them. Others believe them to be like "sacred dice" as lots were cast. (Cp: Num 26:55, Josh 7:14, 1 Sam 14:42)
"Whenever Aaron enters the Holy Place, he will bear the names of the sons of Israel over his heart on the breastplate of decision as a continuing memorial before the Lord. Also put the Urim and Thummin in the breastpiece, so they may be over Aaron's heart whenever he enters the presence of the Lord. Thus Aaron will always bear the means of making decisions for the Israelites over his heart before the Lord." Ex 28:29
One might think such a means of knowing God's will would be a wonderful asset today. With all the disagreements among Christians, there would be ample opportunity afforded to use decision stones. If you're not laughing, you should be.
The urim and thummin were Israel's decision stones. The Church has something better far better than two decision stones. It's more accurate and more accessible. Our urim and thummin is the Word of God and the Holy Spirit. When we want to know what God's will is, we take it to our High Priest, Jesus Christ in prayer, who shows us His will through the Word and the Spirit. This adds light to the illustration of the armor of God mentioned in Ephesians 6:13-20, no?
Have you checked the "decision stones" in your breastplate of Righteousness lately? His name is Jehovah Tsidkenu. Just Thinkin'.. WebServant
(1) Scripture comes from the Holy Bible, New International Version; (c)1978 by New York International Bible Society
(2) The images used herein were obtained from the Learning Company's ClickArt Christian Graphics Deluxe product, (c)1999 The Learning Company, Inc and its subsidiaries, 88 Roland Way, Novato, CA 94945 USA. All Rights Reserved.
