Introduction

Today, we gather here to dedicate this building to God. After meeting in schools for over eight years, we are grateful that God has provided us with this place. As we complete the necessary work to fully occupy this building, we want to set it apart for a special purpose - as a house of God for worship and a place of refuge for those in need spiritually. While we understand that the people of this congregation are the Church, this building serves as a physical space where we come together to worship God and extend help to those in need. Before we proceed with the formal dedication, let us establish the foundation of our purpose in dedicating this building as a place of refuge.

I. Cities of Refuge

In the book of Numbers, God instructed Moses to take a census of all males over the age of twenty from the twelve tribes of Israel. The tribe of Levi, however, was exempt from this census as they were appointed as priests to serve in the tabernacle. They were responsible for keeping the tabernacle and ensuring the people's safety by camping around it. When the Israelites entered the Promised Land, God commanded them to give cities to the Levites for their dwelling. These cities also served as places of refuge for those who had unintentionally caused harm or committed crimes. The cities were evenly distributed throughout Israel and were easily accessible to anyone seeking asylum. The Levites were responsible for providing assistance and protection to those in need.

II. Church Responsibility

In Matthew 25:34-40, Jesus teaches us about our responsibility as a Church. He commends those who have shown compassion and provided help to those in need, emphasizing that when we do so, we are doing it for Him. As a Church, we are called to be a place of refuge for the hurting and the needy. This building that God has blessed us with should not be solely for our own use, but rather a place where anyone seeking God can find Him and receive the help they need. We must prioritize helping others and ensure that our resources are used to make a tangible difference in people's lives.

Conclusion

In a world filled with danger and distress, people need a place of refuge where they can find shelter and rest. The Church should be that place, providing comfort, encouragement, and most importantly, the presence of God. Unfortunately, many Churches today fail to fulfill this purpose. We must change this narrative. We must use this building as a tool to spread God's word, help those in need, and provide a safe haven for the hurting. Though we may not be large in size, with God's guidance, we can accomplish great things. Let us dedicate ourselves to fulfilling our mission as a Church and using this building as a place of refuge.

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