Cities Of Refuge

In Joshua 20, God established six cities of refuge throughout Israel. Their purpose was to provide safety for any person who accidentally killed his neighbour; from the avenger of blood. Once an offender entered the city, they were to stay inside until the death of the high priest. Everything he needed was provided inside the city. However, If the offender dared to step outside the city, it was at his own risk. Sometimes, if the offender was not captured, a member of his family would be slain. Safety was guaranteed only as long they remained in the city of refuge.

These cities were positioned on mountains so that they could be seen from every direction. Imagine an offender running for his life, chased by many relatives of the deceased with horses and knives. Exhausted and terrified He uses every remaining energy to run up the mountain. The clime is hard, but he knows once he passes through the gates of the city, he is safe.

Did you know Jesus died on a mountain called Calvary? But you and I, at most times sin wilful. Many of the decisions that have separated us from God have been intentional. Therefore, it leaves a question do you repent for the fear of going to hell and missing out of heaven, or is it because you think of his pained heart?

Nevertheless, Jesus foresaw this. He knew that even if we were given chance after chance to get things right on our own, we never would. However, when we cling to the cross like a child does to it's mother, there is hope that we will learn to walk in His ways.

Lastly, suppose a man who fled into the city of refuge decided to walk out. He would be called a fool for committing suicide. In the same way, we commit the same spiritual crime to ourselves, when we walk away from God, because we think, “The Lord will never have mercy on me.”