When Leviticus completed the instructions for the sacrifices in chapter 7, it moved on to the ordination of the priesthood. First, it described the garments the priests were to wear, including this obscure reference to something called the Urim and Thummim:
"He placed the breastpiece on him and put the Urim and Thummim in the breastpiece" (Leviticus 8:8).
What exactly were the Urim and Thummim? We aren't quite sure but it seems they were precious stones embedded in the portion of the priest's garment that was over his heart. These stones served as a source of guidance for the nation at critical junctures in their history. How did they operate? We aren't sure, but conjecture is that they glowed or somehow reflected light or energy that would indicate God's will when they were consulted. There are less than a dozen references to the Urim and Thummim in the Old Testament and we don't really know how often they were consulted or why they seemed to disappear from existence and use.
One thought is that the people did not have a history of going to their spiritual leaders for advice and they certainly did not have any Scriptures to consult. They were learning how to follow the Lord and trust the fact that He communicated to His people through His designated leaders. As Israel grew and matured, perhaps there was less need for such a means of communication. The main point is that God was ready to guide His people whenever they asked for it. He led them by a cloud and pillar of fire as to where they should go and how long they should stay. Then He provided these stones in the priests' garments for specific requests.
If that is what God was willing to do "back then," what is He capable of doing today through His Word, His spiritual leaders, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit that dwells in each believer? What's more, do you trust Him to lead you or are afraid that somehow even when you ask, the answer might get garbled in transmission? Keep in mind what James wrote:
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do (James 1:5-8).
You can have confidence that God will answer your cries for guidance with specific feedback that will enable and empower you to do His will on every occasion. Are you asking? Are you trusting in His response? Are you acting on what you hear?
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