Is Jesus your refuge?
Something you might not know about me is that by profession, I am a criminal lawyer. I didn’t pursue that career for very long, and God called me into ministry instead. But criminal cases still intrigue me, especially the legal aspects.
When it comes to killers, there is a difference between killing someone intentionally (murder) and accidentally (manslaughter). Even God made a distinction between these two types of killing when he gave Moses the law in the Old Testament.
In case of murder, someone could receive the death penalty, but in case of manslaughter, the killer had a right to be protected from vengeance. To ensure that protection, God instructed the Israelites to create cities of refuge. Anyone accused of killing could come to a city of refuge and would not be surrendered to their avengers (Joshua 20:2-9). Israel had six cities of refuge, all located on hills or higher lands, so they were visible and easy to find.
As long as the accused remained inside the city walls, they were protected. But if they were to leave, they would open themselves up to revenge killing.
Jesus is your city of refuge.
The wages of your sins are death, but if you choose to take refuge in Him, He will give you eternal life (Romans 6:23). As long as you remain in Him, judgment cannot reach you.
I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. – John 10:28 NIV
And not only Jesus, but we too get to be cities of refuge. We might not be able to forgive sins, only Jesus can, but we can be a place of hope, shelter and safety for others. Jesus said:
You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. – Matthew 5:14
Do you know someone around you in need of a city of refuge? Forward them this message!
