And the stones shall be twelve, according to the names of the sons of Israel, like the engravings of a signet, each with its name, for the twelve tribes. Exodus 28:21 (Amplified Version)
So Aaron shall bear the names of the sons of Israel in the breastplate of judgment upon his heart when he goes into the holy place, to bring them in continual remembrance before the Lord. Exodus 28:29 (Amplified Version)
Even though my three children are grown, I still worry about them. My younger daughter recently announced that she and her husband are moving out of state. With the housing market as it is, I worry that their little condo will sell, that they’ll be able to get enough equity out of it to buy another place in Omaha. I struggle with letting them move so far away, knowing the family gatherings that will be missed, the baby boys who will grow up without knowing their grandparents, uncles, aunts and cousins.
My children’s struggles are no different than those I battled at that age. Somehow, I wish I could spare them life’s hard lessons. While it’s not easy assuming the myriad of adult responsibilities, it’s not easy to be a parent watching either. And the truth of the matter is that while I love them more than anything, I can’t hear God’s voice for them. That is something they must do on their own.
As I read the above passages in Exodus, I think how my children are engraved on my heart just like the gems stitched onto Aaron’s breastplate. A different jewel represented each of the twelve tribes of Israel. You can read the list in Exodus 28:17-20. And though the twelve sons of Israel were on Aaron’s clothing, mine are etched into muscle and flesh, branded deep into heart and spirit. Each has gifts and talents. Each faces troubles and challenges. Each is a precious jewel inlaid upon this mother’s heart.
Imagine with me as I line up my jewels: Faith, my older daughter, is a ruby—a symbol of spiritual wisdom and courage. With an autistic child, she needs all the wisdom and courage she can muster. With spiritual eyes, I see her growing into a strong woman of faith—enough to live up to her name. Nathan is an agate— heaven knows, he collected enough of them as a boy and we still come across a stray one now and then when we move boxes in the basement. An agate symbolizes fearless love of truth. An intellectual, Nathan is passionate about political and social issues. He keeps us honest when we want to overlook the facts of an issue or gloss things over with a religious slant. My heart yearns for him to seek more the source of truth rather than the philosophies of men. Beth, our younger daughter, is a sapphire, the color of heaven and her sparkling eyes. Her cheerful personality and beautiful spirit has blessed our family for more than twenty-seven years and her high soprano voice always reminds me of angels.
Like Aaron in the Holy Place, I bring my children with me when I pray, no matter where they may live or what choices they make. In fact, because they are on my heart, they join me in the “Holy Place” whether they know it or not. They are with me even during times of anger or disappointment, when I am at a loss for words. Because they are on my heart, they are part of every prayer I speak, every prayer spoken and unspoken.
After all, isn’t that how the Lord parents us?
Who is there to condemn us? Will Christ Jesus, the Messiah, Who was raised from the dead and is at the right hand of God actually pleading as He intercedes for us? Romans 8:34 (Amplified Version)
Jesus intercedes for us as we grow into spiritual adults. He sees our failures and our lack of discernment—and loves us anyway. He watches over us with the same pride and concern we hold for our children. He sees every stumble, bears each burden with us— but loves us too much to force His will where it’s not welcome. He offers the greatest gift of all—the freedom to choose. Jesus shows us how to pray and let go.
Today when that flicker of worry crosses your mind, join me in remembering Aaron’s breastplate imbedded with the gems. Enter that quiet place of intercession. Place a hand on your heart and feel the precious stones engraved there, rub your fingers against each one, and call out their names.
