The City of Refuge
IN THE promised land God appointed six hill cities to which a man might flee for safety if he by accident became a manslayer, hang killed his fellow-man unawares.
A Refuge City (Joshua 20:2)
To this city the manslayer might flee if pursued by the avenger, the slain man’s relative. In a way these cities are a picture of Christ, the sinner’s refuge, his hiding place and security.
A Plain Way (Deut. 19:3)
A plain way was prepared along which the man in his distress and danger might run to reach the city of refuge. It would be plain and well-marked, so that no one could mistake it. So is God’s way of salvation. “And a highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness;... the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein.” Isa. 35:8. “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved.” Acts 16:31.
A Ready Welcome (Josh. 20:4)
A ready welcome was given to the fleeing manslayer by the elders of the city, who as soon as the man declared “his cause,” welcomed him there. The Lord Jesus says, “Him that cometh to Me, I will in no wise cast out.” John 6:37.
A Safe Habitation (Josh. 20:5)
Once within the gate the man was safe. The avenger dare not follow him further. So the sinner “in Christ” is safe. To him there is “no condemnation” and from Christ there is “no separation” (Rom. 8:1,35). “The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.” Prov. 18:10.
Memory Verse: “BLESSED ARE THEY WHOSE INIQUIES ARE FORGIVEN, AND WHOSE SINS ARE COVERED.” Romans 4:7
ML-03/17/1974