Day 86 Through The Bible

Day 86

The City of Refuge: A Biblical Picture of Eternal Safety

In our journey through life, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the weight of our mistakes, failures, and fears. We all long for a place of safety, a refuge where we can find peace from judgment. The Bible offers a beautiful picture of this safety in the concept of the "cities of refuge" given to the children of Israel.

God’s Provision: Cities of Refuge

In the Old Testament, God gave the children of Israel a unique provision: the cities of refuge. These cities were meant to protect individuals who accidentally caused the death of another. In Numbers 35:10-15, God commands the Israelites to establish six cities of refuge, spread across the land, where those who had unintentionally taken a life could flee for safety.

Numbers 35:11-12 states:
"When ye come over Jordan into the land of Canaan, then ye shall appoint you cities to be cities of refuge for you; that the slayer may flee thither, which killeth any person at unawares. And they shall be unto you cities for refuge from the avenger; that the manslayer die not, until he stand before the congregation in judgment."

These cities were not just places of escape—they were a sanctuary where no one could bring judgment until the case was heard. The person who fled there could remain safe as long as the priest of the day was alive. In essence, the city of refuge became a symbol of God’s mercy and protection from the judgment that was rightfully due.

A Powerful Parallel: Our Refuge in Christ

Just as the cities of refuge in ancient Israel offered safety and protection, so too does God offer us refuge from judgment in Christ. The concept of the city of refuge becomes a powerful parallel to the safety we find in Jesus Christ, our eternal High Priest.

Hebrews 6:17-20 makes this connection explicit:
"Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath: That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil; Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec."

Jesus is the ultimate High Priest who offers us a refuge from the judgment we deserve. Just as the priest's life protected the manslayer, we are protected by the life of Jesus. Our safety is guaranteed because He lives forever. He is the forerunner who entered the heavenly sanctuary, providing an eternal refuge for all who trust in Him.

God’s Mercy: Eternal Refuge in Christ

Scripture emphasizes God’s unchanging nature. Malachi 3:6 reminds us, "For I am the Lord, I change not."

Because God never changes, His promise of refuge is secure for eternity. When we come to Christ, we come to a refuge that cannot be shaken. Just as the Israelites were safe as long as the priest lived, we are secure because Jesus is our eternal High Priest. His work on our behalf is finished, and His intercession for us will never end.

The cities of refuge in Israel were temporary—if the priest died, the sanctuary was no longer valid. But Jesus, our eternal Priest, will never die, and because of Him, we are safe forever. Romans 8:1 reminds us, "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus."

Practical Application: Trusting Our Eternal Refuge

As we reflect on God’s provision of refuge, we must understand how this truth applies to our lives today. We often seek refuge in many places: in relationships, possessions, or achievements. Yet none of these provide the lasting safety and peace that Jesus offers. Only in Him do we find true refuge, a place where we are secure and free from condemnation.

We are called to trust in God’s promise of safety. Just as the manslayer trusted in the refuge of the cities, we are to trust in Christ's refuge. His priesthood is unshakable, and because of His sacrifice, we can rest assured in His protection and grace.

So, no matter what challenges we face, we can hold fast to our hope in Christ, knowing He is our refuge, our High Priest forever. As the author of Hebrews reminds us, this hope is an anchor for our souls, sure and steadfast.

Conclusion: A Safe Refuge Forever

The cities of refuge in the Old Testament were a gift of mercy and a means of protection. In the same way, Jesus Christ is the ultimate refuge for us today, offering safety from judgment and the assurance of eternal life. As long as our Priest is alive, we are safe. And because Jesus lives forever, we are safe for eternity.

As we navigate life’s trials, let us find comfort and peace in the fact that our refuge is not temporary—it is eternal and in the unchanging, faithful hands of our Savior. Let us rest in the assurance that we are safe forever in Him.