Decisions According to God's Will
Scripture: Exodus 28
30 Also put the Urim and the Thummim 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.
Observation:
God gives Moses very particular, detailed instructions for the Tabernacle, court yard, the altar and everything associated with entering His presence. He even spells out what the priests should wear.
The specifications for the priestly garb include putting the Urim and the Thummim in the breastpiece, over Aaron’s heart so that he will bear the means for making decisions for the Israelites. The Good News translation indicates this apparatus is to be worn so that he can “determine my will for the people of Israel”. The King James calls this the judgment of Israel.
Having researched this a little, it’s not clear what the Urim and Thummim are. The JewishEncyclopedia.com indicates “most explanations of these mysterious instruments through which Yhwh communicated His will to His chosen people identify them with (a) stones in the high priest's breastplate, (b) sacred dice, and (c) little images of Truth and Justice.” Hmmm... sacred dice? I can see it now: no, best 2 out of 3? 3 of 5?
Whatever these “instruments” were, they are placed over the heart, not on the head, mind. This suggests the heart is where decisions or judgements are made, specifically about the will of God.
Application:
I’ve heard it said that we make our decisions with our heart, and then use our mind to justify, or make the case for, the decision.
The posture of my heart is clearly of paramount importance. Proverbs 4 says: above all else, guard your heart for it is the wellspring of life. Everything I do starts in my heart.
David’s heart was in the right place - he found favour with God because he was a man after God’s heart. When God considered destroying the world, it was because every inclination of the thoughts of man’s heart was only evil all the time.
Where is my heart aligned? Is it aligned with the heart of God? Does my heart care for the same things that God’s heart cares for?
The Bible is the story of God’s heart for people. As I spend time in God’s Word, it gets into my heart working to align it with God’s heart. His Spirit opens my eyes to God’s perspective, taking my focus off me and my needs, and helping me to understand God’s will in the situations I face every day. Then I can start to make better decisions!
Prayer:
Lord, give me eyes to see people and situations as you see them. Make my heart more like your heart, so my decisions will be aligned with your will.
Created over 2 years ago
