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Jun 22, 2022 18:30pm

Refuge from the Enemy

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Where do you turn when you’re in trouble and you need help?

I made the turn down the gravel road. I knew every pothole by heart. The turn in for the drive was one that I had walked to many, many times in order to catch the bus. I made my way to the house, parked and got out. I knew she didn’t have the answers to my problems. I knew she couldn’t make them go away. But I also knew it was a place of refuge. My mom would welcome me in with a big hug and let me talk through it.

In the book of Numbers, God gives clear instructions on how to divide up the promised land of Canaan amongst the people. But He also gives a command about the cities of refuge.

“Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye be 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. And of these cities which ye shall give six cities shall ye have for refuge.” (Numbers 35:10-13)

There is judgment coming, but for someone who is innocent, there is refuge from the enemy.

A man who accidentally killed someone could take shelter in these refuge cities until judgment was passed on them. Their enemy, maybe a family member of the one who had been killed, sought out revenge and would kill this man if given the chance.

Were they guilty? That would be determined, but in the meantime, they would have a safe place to be.

Today, maybe you are running from something. You need refuge. God promises to be our refuge, our help in times of trouble, if we just trust in Him. See, the thing is, we are guilty, and judgement will come. But if we accept Jesus’ payment for our sins, his blood shed for ours, then we become innocent- made new! God then is our safe place, our refuge.

Will you turn to Him today? Maybe you’re searching for a safe place. Let God be the one you run to and not the things of this world! Only He can offer you forgiveness and a new life!