Cities of Refuge

"One Year Bible" Old Testament History Passage
Joshua 19:1-20:9

"Speak to the children of Israel, saying: 'Appoint for yourselves cities of refuge, of which I spoke to you through Moses'". Joshua 20:2 (NKJV)

God is by NATURE a mercy-giver. So many people see only the severity of God and do not understand the ways He always seeks to redeem and restore. Right from the outset of His judicial system He established ways that the accused might find mercy and protection. He designated cities to which the accused might run. These were called "cities of refuge".

Jesus is our "city of refuge". This does not mean that He will ignore our failings. He will never CONDONE rebellion or sin. He will allow us to see refuge in Him so that we can mend our ways in an atmosphere of grace rather than condemnation.

The church is also to be a "city of refuge". The accused and even the guilty should be able to run into the church and find a place to repent and reform in an atmosphere of healing and grace. This does not mean that we should excuse and condone sinful behavior. Instead, it means that sinners can find safety among us as they turn from their old ways and walk in the new. May the church be a city of refuge in our day to be the instrument of healing in the hands of a loving, redeeming God