Wouldn’t you just love to know precisely what to do next? A clear yes or a clear no from a God who’s plans are specific and promised to be good. How exactly do you get that? Can you get that?



Do you remember the Magic 8 Ball back in the 80’s? You could ask it a question and it would appear with an answer. There were 10 positive answers such as, “It is certain. Yes, definitely. Without a doubt.” There were 7 negative answers such as, “Don’t count on it. My sources say no. Very doubtful.” Then there were 5 very non-committal answers everyone hated such as, “Cannot predict now. Ask again later.”



How many of us could confess to standing in the mall with a rhinestoned denim jacket with shoulder pads and consulting the Magic 8 Ball for love advice. “Should I date Tim? Will I marry Danny?” And how many of us would also confess to shaking that thing and asking again until we got the answer we wanted?!!!!



Now here we are, all grown up, still insisting on only the answers we want.



Question: “Should I leave this job I hate?”Answer: “You should be faithful with the job you have while you actively pursue a different job.”



But, I don’t like that answer! I want to be a miserable hag at this job and let everyone know how much I hate it until the day I up and quit! To which God says, “My sources say NO!”



Did you know God actually directed the Priests of the Old Testament to use a material object to determine his will? Yes, for real. They were much like holy dice or the divine version of the Magic 8 Ball. But stay tuned, because we’re also going to see a very clear command that we are NOT to use these things for ourselves now.



In Exodus 28, God speaks with Moses and gives him detailed instructions on making the clothing for his brother Aaron and Aaron’s sons who would be God’s priests. Verse 15, “With great skill and care, make a chestpiece to be worn for seeking a decision from God.” The chestpiece was made of fine linen and folded to make a pouch that was 9 inches square. Verse 30, “Insert the Urim and Thummim into the sacred chestpiece so they will be carried over Aaron’s heart when he goes into the Lord’s presence. In this way, Aaron will always carry over his heart the objects used to determine the Lord’s will for his people whenever he goes in before the Lord.”



The Bible is not clear on specifically what the Urim and Thummim are, but several times in scripture, we read of the Priests consulting them for God’s divine guidance in exactly what to do. The best guess is they were stones or jewels which would light up within the chestpiece and cause a glowing of some sort to indicate God’s answers to the questions presented by the Priests in his holy presence.



“Where should we go next? What should we do now? Who do we choose?” These were all questions asked of God through the Urim and Thummim. When God answered, his answer was to be obeyed without hesitation. This was God’s chosen way for seeking his guidance in the decision making process.



So, where is our Urim and Thummim today? Is this what astrology, numerology, crystal balls, horoscopes and tarot cards are? How about fortune-tellers, palm readers, and mediums? Can we seek God’s answers in material objects or humans with seemingly mystical powers?



God’s word is actually unmistakably clear about this. Deuteronomy 18: 10-11, “Do not let your people practice fortune telling, or use sorcery, or interpret omens, or engage in witchcraft, or cast spells,