I am an Old Testament buff. The stories are so interesting and intriguing. They are full of rich, sacred holy things that the Lord did in a time before His Spirit was actually poured out. The faith of these believers was strong and enduring. Incredible examples for me to follow. I want to share one of those sacred holy things that the Lord gave great detail on how it was to be created. It’s the ephod.

“And they shall make the ephod of gold, of blue and purple and scarlet yarns, and a fine twined linen, skillfully worked. It shall have two shoulder pieces attached to its two edges, so that it may be joined together, and the skillfully woven band on it shall be made like it and be of one piece with it, of gold, blue and purple and scarlet yarns, and fine twined linen.” Exodus 28:6-8

The ephod was part of the clothing that the priest wore during the time of worship in the Tabernacle. It was attached to his shoulders and at the waist of the outer garment. It was a breastplate. The ephod had each one of these gems sewn into it. The stones were, red jasper, topaz, emerald, turquoise, sapphire, diamond, opal, agate, amethyst, beryl, onyx and ruby. There were four rows with three gems on each row. Each of these stones represented one of the tribes of Israel. The ephod was used as a way of communication with the Lord. When there was a decision that needed to be made they would use the ephod to inquire of the Lord.

“Then David said to Abiathar the priest, the son of a hamlet, “Please bring me the ephod.” So Abiathar brought the ephod to David. David inquired of the Lord saying, “Shall I pursue this band? Shall I overtake them? He said to them, “Pursue, for you shall surely overtake them, and you shall surely rescue all.” ISamuel 30:7-8 

The ephod was a very beautiful ornate piece of clothing and very significant when they were inquiring of the Lord. We no longer need the ephod to inquire of the Lord. I can go directly to the Father and communicate openly with Him about anything. One of my best practices is to inquire of the Lord no matter how big or small the circumstance or issue is. 

When I surrendered my life to Him it was no longer I who live but He who lives in me. When I inquire of Him about a situation the question that I pose is, “What are you saying? What are you doing about this so I can join You.” When I inquire, it is to join Him in what He is doing, not what I want. I have found that when I do this there is always peace in the midst. I am not going to say that it is always easy because usually it’s not. I go into things with my thoughts. How I think it should be handled. Only to find out He is usually thinking the opposite. I know that He is true, just and right. If I will then just obey, more of my selfish nature will be sloughed off. 

I want to encourage you to inquire of the Lord in your circumstances and situations.

It always brings peace. 

“Show me Your ways, oh Lord; teach me Your paths. Lead me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; on you I wait all the day.” Psalms 25:4-5