A. MANY PICTURES OF CHRIST IN OLD TESTAMENT: JOSHUA 20:1-9
1. Brazen serpent (Num. 21:8), Christ became our sin (John 3:14).
2. Tabernacle, our way to God.
3. Sacrificial lamb, “The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29).
4. The Cities of Refuge, our security in Christ.
“God had said to Moses in the wilderness, establish 6 cities of refuge. If anyone kills another unintentionally he can run to one of these cities for protection from the relatives of the one who was killed, who may try to avenge the killing. The one fleeing can explain to the authorities of the city what happened. If the avenging relative comes to the city, the elders must not release the one they seek to them. The one who flees to that city must stay in that city and be tried by those in that city. If he is found innocent of first degree murder, he shall stay in that city until the death of the high priest. Then he is free to return home” (Joshua 20:1-6, Amplified).
B. THE CITIES OF REFUGE
1. God planned our safety long before we needed it. Moses wrote of the cities 40 years before entering the land. “The lamb was slain before the foundation of the world” (1 Peter 1:18-19).
2. Accessible. They were within one day’s journey.
3. High, to be seen from a long distance. “Give…suburbs for the cities” (Num. 35:3).
4. To be safe and live in protection. “These towns will be their home…the surrounding lands will provide pasture for their cattle” (Num. 35:3, LB).
5. Protection 24/7. “Round the clock protection. The blood of Jesus Christ God’s Son cleanses from all sin” (1 John 1:7).
6. Road signs pointed to the cities. The creation of sun and moon and stars, “Let them be signs” (Gen. 1:14).
7. All God’s people knew where cities were located. “Instruct the people” (Num. 35:2, LB).
8. The city gave protection, shelter, and provision from revenge. Christ is our protection from judgment (Rom. 8:32-34), our shelter in the storm (Ps. 9:9), and the provision of our needs (Phil. 4:19).
9. We all need a “city of refuge” because we are all sinners. “For all have sinned” (Rom. 3:23, 1:28, 32).
10. There were 6 cities; six is number of limited man.
11. The meaning of the names of the 6 cities: Kadesh (sanctuary), Shechem (shoulder), Hebron (fellowship), Bezer (fortress), Ramoth (exaltation), Golan (joy). All the names of Jesus reveal all He does for us.
12. The cities of Refuge are a picture of Christ and His church.
C. JESUS IS OUR CITY OF REFUGE
1. You have to flee; you must go to Christ. “Come to me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matt. 11:28).
2. You will be received. “The one who comes to me, I will not cast out” (Jn. 6:37).
3. You can’t work out your problems yourself, you need help.
4. You have to declare your sins, i.e., confess. “He that stands at the entrance of the gate of the city and declares his case in the hearing of the elders…they shall take him as one of them” (Josh. 20:4). “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive” (1 John 1:9).
5. Only after confession and forgiveness, do you have security. “They shall take him in” (Josh. 20:4). “He who has begun a good work in you will complete it” (Phil. 1:6).
6. Once you enter, you are one of God’s children. “To them He gave the right to become children of God” (Jn. 1:12).
7. You have security in the city. “They (the elders) shall not deliver the slayer” (Josh. 20:5). “I give unto them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand” (Jn. 10:28).
8. You have eternal life. “He shall dwell in that city…until the death of the High Priest” (Josh. 20:6). “He is able to save them to the uttermost . . . seeing He ever liveth” (Heb. 7:25).
9. You will have life in the city. “Abide in me, and I in you” (Jn. 15:4). This is a double indwelling.
10. It’s dangerous to leave a city of refuge/ Jesus Christ. “Might flee there and not die by the hand of the avenger” (Josh. 20:9).
11. There is an avenger/dangerous lion on our trail. “Your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8).
12. You can’t make it alone or on your own. “Casting all your care upon Him, for He careth for you” (1 Peter 5:7).
If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:
Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
If you prayed that prayer, God heard you and saved you. I personally want to welcome you to the family of God and rejoice with you.
All PBC lessons are available online at trbc.org/pbc. Go to www.Hopenow.tv for the current program schedule.
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Dr. Towns' email is ELTowns@liberty.edu
Dr. Towns’ web address is www.elmertowns.com
