Refugees

1. When my father was in the Navy he was stationed in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba for two years. It was one of the most enjoyable bases for me as a kid. We had many things to do that were either cheap or free. I remember one night my dad, a friend of his, and I went gigging for “longusta.” This is the Cuba version of lobster. To make a long story short, we had engine trouble when we went across the Bay to look for the longusta. We were supposed to have the boat we rented back to the boathouse by 10 PM but because of the engine trouble we were out past Midnight and no one came looking for us. We waved flares and paddled like crazy because we were drifting toward Castro’s side of the Bay. Finally, a Navy ship anchored in the Bay sent a boat to check us out, thinking we were refugees from Cuba trying to get political asylum. No shots were fired and they towed us into the boathouse to safety.

2. There are several cities in the US that are referred to as “Sanctuary Cities.” Illegal aliens and others are allowed to find refuge there much like the “Cities of Refuge” to which a person guilty of accidental homicide could flee within Israel. They could escape the “avenger of blood” and remain there until a fair trial could be conducted or the death of the High Priest.

3. Ultimately, God is our place of refuge when the trials of life come roaring after us – Psalm 34:8

4. God always has our best in mind – He is pleasant to the eyes and taste

I. God’s Goodness is Our Refuge – Nahum 1:7

A. He Knows Us – John 10:14a

1. Recognition – awareness of our condition

2. Intimate knowledge of each of us

B. We Know Him – John 10:14b

1. “Refuge” – How His goodness appears to us on the inside – Psalm 46:1

2. “Stronghold” – how His goodness appears to those on the outside (John 10:3)

II. God’s Goodness is Over All that He Does – Psalm 145:9

A. His Sovereignty is Good – over all, through all, in all

1. Nothing surprises God

2. Security for us – as Jesus calming the storm in Mark 4:35-41

B. His Presence is Good – Psalm 139:1-24

1. Why He is Sovereign

2. May not be obvious – Lamentations 3:25

III. God’s Goodness is the Confession of His People

A. The Ultimate Declaration – God is Good!

B. Confessions We Make Along the Way:

1. We are sinners -- Luke 18:13

2. Jesus is LORD – Romans 10:9

3. Weakness and strength 2 Corinthians 12:10

1. Hebrews 4:13

2. Things we once thought as Science Fiction are now commonplace

3. Technology is amazing and we take it for granted – email; cell phones; GPS

4. God is omniscient and unlimited Psalm 139:7-8

a. He Knows our hurts and challenges (no surprises; He’s with us) – Hebrews 13:5

b. He knows our needs before we ask – Matthew 6:8

c. He is always for us and our good – Romans 8:28

5. Come to your refuge and strength!