Wednesday, May 7, 2008

Urim and Thummim

In Joshua's day the way of determining the mind of the Lord was through the casting of lots or the Urim and Thummim. The Urim and Thummim were two stones, one black and one white, which the high priest carried in the ephod. The high priest would reach into the pocket and draw out one stone, let us say that if it was white the answer was yes and if the stone was black then the answer would be no. This was the method of finding out who had sinned against the Lord. Acts 1:26 is the last recorded usage of this method of determining God's answer. Today we have the Holy Spirit and the complete canon of Scripture.
Strangely enough some Christians wish to argue that it is alright to gamble because this was the method used in Scripture. It is not hard to see that this is contrary to Scripture. Gambling has nothing to do with the Word of God or the Holy Spirit living within us. Today we need to trust the Holy Spirit to guide us. Gambling shows a lack of trust in the provision and guidance of our God.

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