People of Distinction

The land has been conquered.  Joshua stands in the middle of the nation of Israel, dividing the land among the tribes.  In the midst of this, Joshua establishes the Cities of Refuge, as per Moses’ direction. 

Killing a human was considered a terrible offense that polluted the land because man was created in God’s image.  Among the Semite peoples when a person was killed it was regarded as the duty of the nearest relative to avenge him.  An avenger of blood was appointed whose job it was to hunt down the killer and kill him, with no distinction being made between willful murder and accidental manslaughter.  This was the beginning of many blood feuds between tribes.

“You shall not defile the land in which you live, it the midst of which I dwell, for I the Lord am dwelling in the midst of the sons of Israel.”  Numbers 35:34

As God established the nation of Israel He determined that they would be different.  He established Cities of Refuge, three on each side of the Jordan River, with no part of the country more than thirty miles away.  A man who had accidentally killed another would run to the nearest City of Refuge and find justice there.  Roads were made and kept up to each of these cities, with bridges built and clear signs marking the way.  These cities were open to all, Jew or not, and the doors were never locked. Justice was built into the system God set up, and was for everyone, regardless of nationality.

When a man arrived in a City of Refuge he was given asylum until a fair trial could be held.  If he was proved innocent of willful murder he could live in the city until the death of the current high priest, at which point he could return to his home.  If he left the city or was found guilty he was turned over to the avenger of blood.

Jesus is our City of Refuge, with one important difference.  We are unquestionably guilty.  We run to Him, and He is accessible, open to all, and without him we have no refuge.  Because of His sacrifice, we have a totally sufficient salvation.  Because of His work in our behalf, we have hope in an otherwise hopeless situation.  In spite of our willful sin, God has provided a refuge for all who would accept it.  What are you waiting for?  Run!

“-we may have strong encouragement, we who have fled for refuge in laying hold of the hope set before us.  This hope we have as an anchor of the soul-”  Hebrews 6:18b-19a

There is an example for us who have already found our refuge in Jesus. We have an obligation to work for justice for all people. Our hearts should break for the orphan and widow who have no resources. We should stand for the people of color who are incarcerated due to lack of adequate legal council. Injustice is all around us. Will we be people who are different, who stand for God’s way of doing things and loving people, all people? Will we love with the heart of God?