The White Stone.

Weddings. Who doesn’t love a good wedding? They are as good a reason as any for a great get-together and party with family and friends. I have been to a good few weddings over the years. And although they mostly all had a central theme every single one of them was essentially different. Everything from the colours to the location, the theme, and the style. They are all organised in such a way that reveals the thoughts, joys and delights of the couple getting married. And each one was as intense in their preparation as they were magnificent in their presentation.

As we go through all the forms vows and of the ceremonies we are all no doubt looking forward to one particular event. The Reception. It is here that all the seriousness and the gravity of the ceremony is set aside and the merriment and celebration begins. And, just like the main ceremony, the reception is designed around the likes, loves and wishes of the happy couple.

But there is one particular tradition which is sometimes present here which has its historical traditions rooted deep in old testament and Roman history. It is the humble little name card which sits at the dining table and tells each invited guest where they are to sit. Not many people realise that this humble little symbol has its origins all the way back in the Book of Exodus.

In the Book of Exodus we read of the formation of the exiled slaves returning to a land and then forming themselves into a nomadic tribe. But it was during this tribal period that Israel wanted to have a semblance of some structured worship with Jehovah, much in the same way as they saw the Egyptians worship their own gods. And so the Tabernacle was formed in the wilderness.

It started off with Jehovah giving unto Moses the Ten Commandments. (Exodus Ch20). Then after that came the Laws of Moses, bringing with it the design of the Tabernacle, Ark of The Covenant and the garments of the High Priest and tabernacle workers.

One particular piece of the Priest’s attire was a breastplate that was tied onto the front of the chest. On it were twelve precious stones representing each one of the twelve tribes of Israel. But hidden in the back of the breastplate was a little pocket. And contained in there were two simple stones – One white and one black. They were known as the Urrim and the Thummim.

Exodus Ch28 (30) And you shall put in the breastplate of judgment the Urim and the Thummim, and they shall be over Aaron's heart when he goes in before the LORD. So Aaron shall bear the judgment of the children of Israel over his heart before the LORD continually.

The idea was that if some people came to enquire of Aaron on any matter, and the Law of Moses was not clear about it, then the priest would reach inside the pocket and pull out one of the stones. If it was white the answer was yes. If it was black the answer was no.

This practise continued for a very long time as part of the Israelites judicial process. We read of it being mentioned in regards to King Saul.

1^st Samuel Ch28 (6)And when Saul inquired of the LORD, the LORD did not answer him, either by dreams or by Urim or by the prophets.

And we even read of it centuries later after the Children of Israel were returned from their enslavement in Babylon. The city of Jerusalem was being rebuilt under the guidance and oversight of Ezra and Nehemiah and the holy ceremonies were being celebrated again.

Ezra Ch2 (63)And the governor said to them that they should not eat of the most holy things till a priest could consult with the Urim and Thummim.

Nehemiah Ch7 (65)And the governor said to them that they should not eat of the most holy things till a priest could consult with the Urim and Thummim.

In later years, the Romans adopted a custom of giving out invitations in the form of a white stone with the guest’s name written on it. It was used as a symbol by anyone who wanted to have an audience with a king or high dignitary. They were allowed to enter by means of being given a white stone with their name on it.

This symbol is referred to in a letter written to the ancient church in a place called Pergamum in ancient Turkey. The city is nowadays known as Bergama and the ruins of the ancient city are still there.

Revelation Ch2 (17)…..And I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written which no one knows except him who receives it."

This verse indicates those of us who will be admitted into the great marriage feast in Heaven. We will have our presence recorded by this white stone with our name on it. And so the practise became used in our modern day weddings to show our places at a wedding reception.

Today, the practise has also been adopted by many fraternal societies and used in the selection process of their candidates.

And so, when I sit at these ceremonies with my name card or invitation I think back to the days of Aaron and the High priests revealing God’s decisions by issuing a white stone. And I smile. Because someday I will see another white stone. One at the marriage feast in Heaven. And it will have my name on it.

I'm invited to a supper, 'Tis a marriage feast and grand.
'Tis the greatest of all banquets ever known on sea or land.
There will be a countless host of guests, The Bridgroom and The Bride.
And all who to this supper go on shining clouds shall ride.

Yes, I have an invitation. I can invite my friends along.
There is only one condition, you must know Redemption's song.
So, put your wedding garments on, for you cannot do it there.
The wedding bells are soon to ring You have no time to spare.

Frederick Rimanoczy, 1910.

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