Today’s meditation is based on Numbers 35:6,“You are to give the Levites six cities of refuge to which any of you can escape if you kill someone accidentally. In addition, give them forty-two other cities” (GNB)
In the above mentioned verse we understand that the Lord had commanded that six cities be allotted as cities of refuge. These were assigned as a refuge for anyone who would by some lapse kill someone else accidentally, without any prior enmity or premeditation to carry out the same. This was the time when the Israelites had just occupied the Promised Land, and it is astounding to note how God who is mindful about the safety of every individual life, made arrangements for these cities of refuge.
You may be an insignificant person in a small town or village in some remote part of this world, but let me remind you that you have a God who is mindful of you, watches over you, loves you, and one who sympathizes with you.
Those were times when there was no judiciary or police department to maintain law and order. Nonetheless, even in those days God valued the life of every person, and made provision in His mercy to preserve every one of them.
The commandment of God as found in Leviticus 24:21, was,“Whoever kills an animal shall replace it, but whoever kills a human being shall be put to death.” (GNB)
It is evident that no man had the right to take the life of another, and if ever one did so the punishment was death. However, if for some reason a person murdered another unintentionally, there was a way of escape for the same.
We read in Deuteronomy 19:5-6, “For example, if two of you go into the forest together to cut wood and if, as one of you is chopping down a tree, the ax head comes off the handle and kills the other, you can run to one of those three cities and be safe. If there were only one city, the distance to it might be too great, and the relative who is responsible for taking revenge for the killing might catch you and angrily kill an innocent person. After all, it was by accident that you killed someone who was not your enemy.” (GNB)
Above is an example of the kind of accident that might cause someone to be killed accidentally, and in such a case the Lord assigned these cities of refuge as a safety for the person who committed such an act.
Let me highlight some specifications about these cities of refuge:
1. This was a place where a man escaped death penalty. If he was outside this city someone might take revenge, and put him to death
2. Once a person entered this city, he was safe from the hands of anyone who pursued after him to take revenge.
3. This city provided refuge and safety.
4. These cities were strategically chosen so that anyone who ran from any part of the country could reach the same within a day. All of them were easily accessible.
5. Anyone who entered the cities could, irrespective of who they are, even a gentile or a slave could find refuge inside these cities.
6. Whoever entered these cities were to be taken good care of, and provided with all that they needed for their sustenance.
7. The gates of these cities were always open, and never shut.
8. All along the way there were signs to guide one to the cities of refuge so that no one who ran to it could lose their way.
9. Bible scholars also mention that the roads that led to these cities of refuge were repaired and kept in good condition so the ones who needed them could use them with ease.
10. The most important part of this was that when the High Priest died, anyone who was in the city could walk out free, and get back to his hometown with no fear whatsoever.
You may be wondering why so many details have been given regards the city of refuge, and why these cities of refuge had such significance.
These cities of refuge were a fore shadow of the Lord Jesus who was to come to save us, and protect us hundreds of years later. God had ordained this beautiful plan of salvation through Jesus which unfolded slowly through various events that are recorded in the Old Testament, and the city of refuge is one of them.
We will compare the city of refuge with the Lord Jesus, and understand how this becomes so relevant to us today.
1. Saved from death
Jesus said these words in John 5:24,“I am telling you the truth: those who hear my words and believe in him who sent me have eternal life. They will not be judged, but have already passed from death to life.” (GNB)
Beautifully Jesus taught that those who heard His words and believed on the Father who sent Him, will not be condemned, but will escape from death and have eternal life.
2. Delivered from the hands of Satan
We read in 1 Peter 5:8, “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” (ESV)
The evil one is constantly on the prowl looking for opportunities to trip those who are standing in the faith, and his aim is to draw us away from the Lord. We are therefore admonished to be sober-minded and watchful at all times. If we make the Lord our city of refuge, Satan will have no hold over our lives
3. We are secure
Jesus said in John 10:28,“I give them eternal life, and they shall never die. No one can snatch them away from me.” (GNB)
Once we are in Jesus,our city of refuge we are safe and secure, the evil one will never prevail over us. When we think about this amazing plan of salvation that God has provided for us we realize that God has taken care of every single detail for us to be safe and secure in Him.
4. Close at hand for everyone
We read in Act 17:27,“He did this so that they would look for him, and perhaps find him as they felt around for him. Yet God is actually not far from any one of us;” (GNB)
The Lord Jesus is close at hand for everyone, irrespective of their caste, race or religion. Anyone can come to the Lord Jesus, seek after Him and they will find refuge in Him.
5. Refuge for everyone
Everyone who comes to Jesus will be kept safe from all the darts of the devil irrespective of who they are.
We read in Galatians 3:28,“So there is no difference between Jews and Gentiles, between slaves and free people, between men and women; you are all one in union with Christ Jesus.” (GNB)
Maybe you are wondering why there were only six cities of refuge, and not seven as seven is considered a number that signifies wholeness. The reason is these cities of refuge can only save one from physical death, but the Lord Jesus who is the true refuge can save our bodies, soul and spirit from eternal death because He is that perfect refuge.
You may be going through troubles, hardships and confusions. There may be those who are falsely accusing you. These days this has become common practice especially with the hype in social media which is being used for all the wrong purposes. Often we hear of those who accuse others forgetting that they themselves have numerous faults and failings. Accusations are made without any reason or facts to substantiate what is being said.
Jesus our refuge from accusations
Let me place an incident that happened when Jesus was here on earth.
We read about it in John 8:4-5, "Teacher," they said to Jesus, "this woman was caught in the very act of committing adultery. In our Law Moses commanded that such a woman must be stoned to death. Now, what do you say?" (GNB)
This woman was brought to stand before Jesus with a large crowd of accusers standing around her with stones in their hands. The reason they brought her to Jesus was to check to see the judgement that Jesus would pass on that woman who was caught in adultery. According to them they were vehement that she be put to death for the sin she committed. This woman stood at the threshold of death, but praise God that the accusers of the woman did not know that they had brought the woman to Jesus who was the city of refuge Himself. Jesus was silent, and as the crowd shouted to have an answer from Jesus, the only response from Jesus to them was that the one who had no sin should throw the first stone at her. When they heard this words of Jesus they were pricked in their hearts. Jesus did not make light of that woman’s sin, but He told her to go and not sin anymore. At the end of it, everyone walked out, and there was none who could throw a stone at that woman.
As children of God remember that none of us are without sin, and not one of us is righteous before God. Evert time we accuse someone else and find fault let us remember that we become subject to God’s judgement. Not one of us have the right to judge or condemn another person. If there are those who are hurt because of the false allegations that someone has made against you, let me remind you that Jesus is your refuge. Run to Him, pour out your heart and your hurts to Him, and He will protect you to keep you safe from your accusers. There is forgiveness full and overflowing with the Lord Jesus when we come to Him. These accusations are not only from outside, but come from within the family too where family members speaking hurtful words to each other. The Lord invites such to come to Him so that He can be the city of refuge who can keep us safe and secure from all these attacks.
We live in days when the works of Satan are experienced much. There are many who can’t sleep peacefully at night, who are disturbed by bad dreams and strange sounds that they hear. This has also led many to despair of life and to desire death.
Jesus our refuge from demonic attacks
As we read in Mark 9:21-22, "How long has he been like this?" Jesus asked the father. "Ever since he was a child," he replied. "Many times the evil spirit has tried to kill him by throwing him in the fire and into water. Have pity on us and help us, if you possibly can!" (GNB)
A father brought his son to Jesus who was possessed by an evil spirit. Every day was an ordeal for this father as the evil spirit would try to kill the boy by throwing him into fire or water. One cannot imagine the mental state of the boy’s parents who probably did not even have a good night’s sleep for many long years. This father brought his son to the city of refuge who was Jesus to protect his son from the evil spirit that was trying its best to take the life of his son. The father first took his son to the disciples who could not help him, and then he turned to Jesus. Jesus healed the boy and set him free from the agony he faced and the hardships the father was challenged with.
Instead of running to men, let us look to Jesus alone as the one who can be the refuge for all of our hard situations. When you come to Jesus, He has the power and authority to protect you from all the attacks of the evil one. Jesus alone has the power to save your life, and remove the fears that surround you to hinder you from having peaceful sleep.
Jesus our refuge from sickness
Another thing that many people are battling with these days is sickness of various sorts. There are so many who are undergoing troubles that are innumerable.
We read in Mark 5:22-23,“A leader of the synagogue came. His name was Jairus. He saw Jesus and bowed down before him. He begged Jesus again and again, saying, "My little daughter is dying. Please come and lay your hands on her. Then she will be healed and will live."” (ERV)
Jairus was the leader of the synagogue, but even he was not spared. Jesus said in John 10:10,“The thief comes only in order to steal, kill, and destroy. I have come in order that you might have life---life in all its fullness.” (GNB) Jairus knew that if he did not surrender his daughter to Jesus who is our refuge there would be no hope for his child for his position could not save the girl.
Even before Jairus reached his home with Jesus the girl was dead and the mourners had gathered.
We read in Mark 5:24-25,“And when Jesus came to the ruler’s house and saw the flute players and the crowd making a commotion, he said, “Go away, for the girl is not dead but sleeping.” And they laughed at him.” (ESV)
When Jesus asked the mourners to leave, and told them the girl was sleeping they laughed at Him, but Jesus sent them away and raised the girl back to life.
Maybe you are in a situation where people are mocking you or laughing at you. You have a God who will stand with you, and will set everything in order. You may be faced with accusations or maybe under the attack of the evil one or you may be troubled with sickness. Let me remind you that if you will pray and run to Jesus who is the city of refuge, you will certainly find rest, and will be secure in Him.
Rev. F. Andrew Dixon
www.goodnewsfriends.net
Transcribed by Sis. Esther Collins
