February 11 - Exodus 28:30

In the breastpiece of judgment

you shall put the Urim and the Thummim,

and they shall be on Aaron’s heart

when he goes in before the Lord;

thus Aaron shall bear the judgment of the Israelites

on his heart before the Lord continually.

Exodus 28:30

 

Let’s get the details out of the way first ... Urim and Thummin literally mean something like light and innocence — thus, lights and perfections. More commonly and allegorically, urim and thummin are referred as revelation and truth — or doctrine and truth as it appears in the Latin Old Testament (the Vulgate) and in the writings of St. Jerome. Thus, next to Aaron’s heart he shall wear truth and revelation!

 

But part of that revealed truth is the word "judgment." Let’s get a little context.

 

Here in the Old Testament, we are told about a "breastpiece of judgment." In the New Testament, however, we are more familiar with a "breastplate of righteousness."

 

I don’t know about you, but everyday I’d prefer to wear righteousness — rather than judgment — next to my heart! And that’s the New Testament difference!!!

 

As a people, we deserve judgment. And so that everyone of them didn’t have to carry around that heavy burden everyday, God asked Aaron to wear it for them. He carried all the sins of Israel on his chest.

 

In the New Testament, we are assured that Jesus has permanently taken all our sins upon his wounded hands, his wounded side, and his wounded breast. Therefore, we can wear a breastplate of righteousness!

 

Wait ... that breastplate is worn not because we are already righteous! It is worn as a piece of armor when we choose to be righteous. It is optional ... but highly recommended.

 

In Christ’s Love,

a guy who wants to play dress-up

(I want to dress like a knight today)