Who is Your Refuge?

O. T. #488  "Who is Your Refuge?
March 26, 2015
Joshua 20
So that anyone who kills a person accidentally and unintentionally may flee there and find protection from the avenger of blood.  Joshua 20:3 NIV

LET IT GLOW

Where do we go in time of need? When we need comfort, strength, a shoulder to cry on, a friend to listen, a refuge, some joy? Do we go to Jesus or someone else? Do we seek help from a bottle instead of the Beautiful Savior, who was in all ways tempted? He has been through it all, loved one-physical and emotional sufferings, abandonment, spit upon, whipped, judged, talked bad about. So He knows how we feel when life throws us a curve, brings a storm, rocks our boat, send us the unexpected. We should run to Jesus for our refuge, dear friend. God provided refuge for His children, Israel.

God gave Israel cities of refuge? What is that?
Refuge means to contract or receive. It was to provide a shelter for any who killed a person by accident, unintentional manslaughter. (Falwell)

Israel was a new nation in a new land, needing a new government. God gave Moses instructions earlier as to how it should function. One of the tasks God wanted the Israelites to do when they entered the Promised Land was to designate certain cities as cities of refuge. These were to be scattered throughout the land. Their purpose was to prevent injustice, especially in cases of revenge.
(Life application Study Bible)

The MacArthur Bible Commentary further explains:

Moses had spoken God's Word to name six cities in Israel as refuge centers. a person who inadvertently killed another person could flee to the nearest of these for protection (Num. 35:9-34). Three cities of refuge lay west of the Jordan River, and three lay to the east, each reachable in a day for those in its area. The slayer could free there to escape pursuit by a family member seeking to exact private justice. Authorities at the refuge protected him and escorted him to a trial. If found innocent, he was guarded at the refuge until the death of the current high priest, a king of statute of limitations (Jos. 20:6). He could return home. If found guilty of murder, he suffered appropriate punishment.

In other words, these cities were to provide a refuge. Can people find refuge in our city, in our home, and in our presence?

LET IT GROW

I found this interesting information concerning these cities of refuge from Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible: 

• They were located on hills, to be seen afar off, for a city on a hill cannot be hid.
• They were a place where one could find comfort and safety quickly.
• They were to be only a day away from anyone.
• If only one could get to the suburb of a city of refuge, he was well protected.

The names of these cities of refuge seem to be significant, with reference to Christ our Refuge:

• Kedesh signifies holy; our refuge is the holy Lord Jesus.
• Shechem, a shoulder; the government is upon His shoulder.
• Hebron, means fellowship; believers are called into fellowship of Christ Jesus our Lord.
• Bezer, a fortification; Jesus is a strong Hold to all them that trust in Him.
• Ramoth, high or exalted; for Him has God exalted with His own right hand.
• Golan, refers to joy or exultation; for in Him all the saints are justified, and shall glory. (Matthew Henry)

Another thing, these cities of refuge were available to both Israelites and foreigners (verse 9). Christ's forgiveness is available to anyone without regard to their nationality (Galatians 3:28; 5:6).

The death of the high priest is when they are released as fugitive. This anticipates the death of Jesus, our High Priest whose death removes sin and guilt once for all (Heb. 9:11-10:18).
Salvation is available to both Jew and Gentile. Hallelujah!

Christ Jesus is the refuge for anyone. He calls, Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (Matt. 11:28)

How wonderful it is to have Jesus as our refuge in time of need and help.
Here are some Scriptures in reference to such:
Pslam 46:1-God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

Psalm 62:7-8-In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God. Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before Him: God is a refuge for us.

Psalm 91:2-I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in Him will I trust.

Psalm 57:1-Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast.

What comfort is available to us in God our Refuge!
Do we seek Him for our refuge or do we go somewhere else?

LET IT GO

                               and turn to Jesus;
                               and find comfort and strength to continue with the Christ, the crucified and risen
                               One;
                               and find refuge in the One and Only Refuge-God.