March 5, 2025 - Joshua 20-22

“Then the Lord said to Joshua, ‘Say to the people of Israel, Appoint the cities of refuge, of which I spoke to you through Moses, that the manslayer who strikes any person without intent or unknowingly may flee there. They shall be for you a refuge from the avenger of blood’” (20:1-3).  I suspect we do not very often think about these cities of refuge.  I’m not even sure we ever speak of them.  We should, though.  They are God’s provision for the person who inadvertently kills someone but who is accused of murder.  It might be a family member or a close friend but someone, angry and out for revenge, would likely seek the life of the one called a “manslayer,” though unjustly.  Our God is a God of fairness and justice.  An accidental death should not result in a death penalty.  Speaking of justice, God’s justice and wrath were poured out on his Son for our sakes.  Unlike the manlsayer who accidentally took a life, we have sinned intentionally and with malice in our hearts.  Yet, rather than requiring our lives God has required that of his Son.  We do not flee to a place or to a city but we flee to Jesus!  He is our refuge!

I have found a blessed refuge

From the stormy waves that roll;

I have found a blessed refuge,

And an anchor for my soul.

I have found a loving Saviour

At the precious gate of prayer;

How he looked and smiled upon me,

As he bade me welcome there.

I am hiding in the Rock

That forevermore shall stand,

And I rest beneath its shadow,

In a weary, thirsty land.   –Fanny J. Crosby (1888)