Cities Of Refuge
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Good morning friends and followers of the Lord Jesus. I trust this day finds you rested and in full devotion and love to our Lord and Savior.
A few weeks ago, we had a post about searching the Scriptures, which was quite profound. It talked about the careful study of Scripture or searching as in seeking a treasure. The greatest treasure we can find is the Lord Jesus.
I recently came across a study of the Cities of Refuge that Moses appointed for the children of Israel when they established themselves in the land of Canaan after they left Egypt.
These cities were a place of refuge for anyone who accidentally killed another individual. It became a place of safety from the avenger, seeking restitution.
Under the old Covenant, one could be held accountable for such an unintentional crime. Remember, the Law allowed, “eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.”
O Lord our god how often do we kill our neighbor unintentionally with our tongue. With our thoughts, with hate or envy, with anger, revenge, or plain ruthlessness? If we find ourselves guilty, let us flee with the flight of faith and godly sorrow, flee to a city of refuge. In the cities of Grace and Mercy, we find safety. Flee to the Holy Cross of Christ of His precious Ransom. Therein we can find grace and mercy. Therein is the true city of Refuge; Where the avenger cannot arrest us and measure us with the same measure we measured with.
These Cities of Refuge were a picture of Christ Jesus. Their names were:
1. Bezer, meaning: “a strong tower.” Proverbs 18:10 tells us that the name of the Lord is a strong tower and the righteous run to it and are safe. (That is the name of Jesus).
2. Ramoth, meaning Exalted. Isaiah 52:13 tells us that Jesus is the exalted one. “Behold my servant shall deal prudently; He shall be exalted end extolled and be very high. Philippians 2:10 tells us: in His name, all knees in Heaven and Earth and under the Earth shall bend.
3. Golon, “a dwelling place full of goodness.” Christ is truly the real Golon. He is full of mercy and grace; He is slow to anger, and abounding in mercy. See Psalm 103:8. And according to Romans 10:12 He is rich in mercy to all who call upon Him.
All of this wondrous, gracious love and kindness flows to us when we come to a correct and proper understanding of God in true repentance, receiving forgiveness of sin. Genuine sorrow and repentance is evidence of godly knowledge. When God reveals himself to us in our inner being, we are led to the fear of God, recognition of our sinful state and the wisdom of God which opens our understanding of the will of God.
This whole picture of fleeing to a city of Refuge is typified by how the priests, in conducting the Old Testament sacrifices were required to eat of the sacrifice. Partaking of the sacrifice was a picture of accepting the death and blood of Christ.
Trusting in the power of the blood of Christ cleanses us to such an extent as if we had never sinned. Ezekiel 18:22 words it this way: When the wicked man turns from all his sins which he has committed, keeps all my statutes, and does what is lawful and right, he shall not die. None of the transgressions which he has committed shall be remembered against him; because of the righteousness which he has done. He shall live.
Therefore we conclude that true godly worship and reverence is a matter of the heart and is grounded in honest repentance when the flesh is crucified, and man is restored to the original image of God. Which godly virtues the Holy Spirit produces in us by His power and might. Such fruit as found in Galatians 5: Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. All to the praise, honor and glory of our God.
Pastor Eli
