“Then the Lord said to Joshua, ‘Say to the people of Israel, “Appoint the cities of refuge, of which I spoke to you through Moses, that the manslayer who strikes any person without intent or unknowingly may flee there… and shall stand at the entrance of the gate of the city and explain his case to the elders of that city. Then they shall take him into the city and give him a place… And if the avenger of blood pursues him, they shall not give up the manslayer into his hand… And he shall remain in that city until he has stood before the congregation for judgment, until the death of him who is high priest at the time. Then the manslayer may return to his own town and his own home…” ‘ ” (v1-6 abr)
A cities of refuge (of which Israel has 6) are important. These were places where the accidental perpetrator of a crime (manslaughter) could remain safely until proven guilty/innocent of murder, or until the current high priest died. Interestingly, we still have a place of refuge today, where we have been exonerated of various crimes.
I think we all have heard the famous verse “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Rm 3:23). What we often don’t hear, are the preceding and following verses: “the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus” (Rm 3:22-24)
According to the Bible, we are all guilty of sin (Rm 3:23), but God is our place of refuge (Ps 46:1) – He opens the doors to all who believe (Rm 3:22). Now, traditionally, we would remain in that place of refuge until the high priest dies, or we are justified. Thank the Lord that both of those things have already happened. The verse above says we “are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus” (Rm 3:24), so we’ve already received our pardon through Jesus. Why? Because Jesus was not only an innocent sacrifice, He was also the High Priest who died: “Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God…” (Heb 4:14a).
When we come to God, our place of refuge and strength, and believe upon the death and resurrection of Jesus as the solution for our sin, proclaiming His name as our Lord and Savior, we are forgiven (justified, pardoned) from our sin, and we are free people.
My challenge for today is to seek that refuge and salvation if there are any unconfessed sins in our life, and then proclaim this good news to those around us. Not only should we live free and justified lives, we should offer that same freedom to those who are still captive to their sin and guilt. I realize it can take some time getting to know someone before this conversation can be had, but it’s an important conversation that cannot be forgotten. I’m not an expert on evangelism by any means, but it’s something I wish to grow in. How about you?
Father God, our Mighty Lord and King, great and holy is Your name. Thank you for being our place of refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble. Praise be to You Lord Jesus for selflessly sacrificing Yourself to extend God’s grace and mercy upon us. Holy Spirit please guide us in this freedom to reach those who are still in captivity. In the powerful chain-breaking and life-giving name of Jesus our Savior, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training