And of Levi he said: “Let Your Thummim and Your Urim be with Your holy one, whom You tested at Massah, and with whom You contended at the waters of Meribah — who says of his father and mother, ‘I have not seen them’; nor did he acknowledge his brothers, or know his own children; for they have observed Your word and kept Your covenant.” (Deuteronomy 33:8-9)
When Moses was given instructions for the Tabernacle and all of the components pertaining to it, the Urim and Thummim — associated with the breastplate — was given to the priests whereby they might inquire of the LORD. It was understood, therefore, that the tribe of Levi were permitted to approach and stand before God as no other. At Sinai, when others worshiped the Golden Calf, and again at Massah and Meribah when Moses and Aaron were challenged by the people to provide water, the tribe of Levi had proven themselves to be faithful to God. Because they had remained faithful, Moses prayed that God would let the Urim and Tummim remain with Levi and that they might always be allowed to come before the LORD as His holy ones.
To be able to approach God in such a manner carries with it a great deal or responsibility and commitment, a fact hinted at by the statement, “Who said of his father and of his mother, ‘I have not seen him.’ ” Moses was suggesting that Levi made no distinction in carrying out his duties as priest. In other words, this tribe played no favorites — nor could they afford to. When Moses directed them to slay the idolaters after the Golden Calf incident, Levi “did not acknowledge his brethren” — putting to the sword brother, companion, and neighbor (Exodus 32:27). Through this level of dedication, Levi “observed (guarded) your word and kept (consecrated) your covenant.”
The lesson for us is this: if we desire to approach and stand before the LORD, there is a cost involved. Yes, we know that we have been given access to our Heavenly Father through the Son, still, just how close we are allowed to come near will depend upon our commitment to holiness. We can’t think that we can do as we please and have intimacy with God. Furthermore, we need to ask ourselves, “Do we esteem God’s Word and His instructions above all, including friends and family?” Even more importantly, do we esteem His Word above our own will? If we’re not sure, perhaps today is a good day to inquire of the LORD about the matter? Our prayer today is that we will be proven to be faithful to Him in all things and that He will regard us as His holy ones.
Blessings and Shalom,
Bill
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