January 31, 2016:  SOAP #2250 

Scripture:  Exodus (NIV) 28:29 “Whenever Aaron enters the Holy Place, he will bear the names of the sons of Israel over his heart on the breast piece of decision as a continuing memorial before the LORD. 30 Also put the Urim and the Thummim in the breast piece, 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:  The breast piece of the High Priest’s garment was a square piece of cloth attached to the front of his robe.  There were 12 precious stones attached representing the 12 tribes of Israel.  There was a front panel and a back panel, making a pouch in which the Urim and Thummim were placed.  They were stones to help them make a decision when they did not know what was right.  One meant “yes” and the other “no.”  They would take their question before the Lord and the High Priest would reach into the “pouch” and take out one of the stones.  They accepted that as God’s yes or no.

Application:   My attention was fastened on the fact that the “breast piece of decision” and the “means of making decisions” was “over the heart” rather than somehow attached to the turban on the head.  When it comes to making a tough decision, it is a “heart” matter more than a “head” matter.  It is a “relationship” matter rather than a “knowledge” matter.  My head may have already come up with two or three good and acceptable answers.  Determining which is the will of God requires God’s peace in my heart.  I do not have two stones in a pouch over my heart; I have the Holy Spirit inside my heart.  His two stones are “peace” or “no peace.”

Prayer:   Holy Spirit, thank you for your presence and revelation.  Thank you for being concerned that I know your will!  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!