God is Our Refuge
These were the cities designated ... that anyone who killed a person without intent could flee there. (Joshua 20:9)
Josh. 20; Deut. 19:1-10; Num. 35:6-15; Ps. 62:7-8; Heb. 6:18-20
What Is God Saying?
The cities of refuge, three on each side of the Jordan, were set aside as places where anyone who caused the death of another by accident, or without intent, could come to receive asylum and protection. Although the avenger (who was the next of kin) might be in pursuit to dispense justice in the heat of anger, it was possible for the one who killed unintentionally, to be protected until he had a chance to state his case before the congregation. The right of asylum is an ancient custom that continued through the Middle Ages when cathedrals served as a refuge. At this distance in time and place, there is a little bit of humor in the sanctuary door knocker of the Durham Cathedral in England. A mythical figure made of bronze is holding in his mouth a metal ring which is the door knocker. And there it is, a deep, round hole left by an arrow intended for a sanctuary-seeker. Missing its victim, it left its mark on the skull of the bronze figure. A fanciful story? Perhaps. But the Church was a sanctuary and people thought of the House of God as the place to find understanding, protection, and justice. This was the exact purpose of the six cities of refuge.
How Does This Apply To Us?
It is improbable that one who has committed a homicide is reading this. Should there be one, however, all sin and any sin (except one, ascribing to Christ the works of Satan-Mt. 12:24-37) may be forgiven through repentance and God's merciful pardon. It is sadly true that most of us have done other kinds of killing with or without intent. When we have carelessly quenched the spark of faith in someone else's heart or spoken a thoughtless word to shake the confidence and destroy the hope of another person, when we have shown a gross inconsistency between what we say with our lips and show in our lives, causing another to stumble. Thank God there is a city of refuge, a place for forgiveness, a time to forget past mistakes, a time to press on to future victories. God is our refuge—He forgives the past, He comforts in the present, and guides us into the future.
Pray With Me
God of mercy, I thank You for restraining grace. I have never brought physical death to anyone. Yet I need to wonder whether, in another sense, I have sometimes killed without intent or even knowledge. I might have killed someone's hope. I might have quenched someone's newborn interest in Your kingdom. I might have undermined someone's simple trust. You know, dear Lord, when I have walked with a destructive mood and careless steps on the life of another. Forgive this sin. I confess my wrongdoing. I want to conquer the things I know I am doing and should not do. I want to start doing the things I know I am not doing and should. I have spoken the careless word. I have committed the thoughtless deed.
Thank You, Lord, that as there were cities of refuge in the days of long ago, so today there is a place of refuge for all who come with earnest faith. Thank You for the sanctuary provided at the foot of the Savi0r's Cross. His death cancels all sin for all time for all believing hearts. Undo in Your mercy all the evil which I have caused, known or not. Then let mercy received become mercy given. Let me go on, shielded by Your merciful pardon, to lead others who are wounded and weary, hunted and haunted into the sanctuary of Your holy and bountiful love.
In the name of Him who offers to all humankind the sanctuary of His redeeming love. Amen.
Moving On In The Life of Prayer
Prayer brings many blessings, many assurances, and many seasons of refreshing, but nothing glows more brightly than the realization that in prayer we have a city of refuge. God gives us refuge from a tormented conscience and a restless spirit. God gives us refuge as He brings us renewal. God gives us refuge because He is our Refuge (Psalm 62:8). Read it and trust it.
