Refuge

I think of refuge as a place of protection and safety. I often think of my home as a place of refuge. I can relax at home. I can rest at home. When I’m at home with those closest to me, I can rest and relax. I don’t feel as accessible when I’m home.

In the Old Testament the Lord established entire “Cities of Refuge”. These were to be run by the Levite tribe. They were the spiritual leaders of the nation. The Israelites were near the Jordan River and about to invade and take the land promised them by The Lord. Moses gave instructions about the division of the property and it is here the Lord instructs the people about Cities of Refuge. Check this out….

⁹ The Lord said to Moses, ¹⁰ “Give the following instructions to the people of Israel.

“When you cross the Jordan into the land of Canaan, ¹¹ designate cities of refuge to which people can flee if they have killed someone accidentally. ¹² These cities will be places of protection from a dead person’s relatives who want to avenge the death. The slayer must not be put to death before being tried by the community. ¹³ Designate six cities of refuge for yourselves, ¹⁴ three on the east side of the Jordan River and three on the west in the land of Canaan. ¹⁵ These cities are for the protection of Israelites, foreigners living among you, and traveling merchants. Anyone who accidentally kills someone may flee there for safety. (Numbers 35:9-15 NLT)

The Cities of Refuge allowed for due process. The law among the Israelites was a bit different than we have today. It’s actually hard in our culture for a convicted murder to get the death penalty. The Israelites operated as the protector of their families and tribes. If someone killed someone, the relatives were to avenge the murder by taking out the murderer. The city of refuge concept allowed for the person to explain that it was accidental. If it turned out at the trial to be proven that the death wasn’t accidental, his protection was removed, and the murderer was killed.

I’m thankful that I don’t need a city of refuge. My heart aches for people who have accidentally killed someone. I can only imagine the guilt and personal heartache that would cause. The murderer who kills in cold blood, I don’t have a lot of patience with. I’m thankful that under our laws, murderers are imprisoned for the protection of the common man or woman.

I am thankful for my “city of refuge” that I have in the Presence of the Lord. I’m thankful to feel His Presence near me when I seek Him. I’m thankful for His Presence when I pray or when I’m scared. He is faithful to me even when I’m unfaithful to Him. He renews my strength as my Refuge. He restores my soul as my Refuge.  I can’t put into words what it feels like when I run to Him for help. He calms my soul. He speaks truth into my heart.  No matter where I am and who I’m with, I want the Lord more than anyone or anything.

Pressing On!

Dwayne

God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. (Psalm 46:1NLT)