The City of Refuge

By Harold Smith

Boys and girls, way back in Bible days, when somebody killed somebody else, there was somebody they called the "Avenger of Blood". The law allowed the relative of that person to kill the other fellow. But in the case of an accident, the law provided cities that these people that had accidentally killed someone would flee to. There, they'd be safe. These were called "Cities of Refuge". They were a refuge city. There were six of them. They were a place where people could hide from the Avenger of Blood. The way to these cities were marked very clearly, so that if a man killed someone unawares - didn't mean it - then he would know exactly how to get to this city, or one of these nearest cities, to run to. Then, in the city, there would be a ready welcome waiting for them there. The people in those cities would take in anybody. They'd come, as such, and be welcome. And further, they were safe inside of that city. Nobody could come in and take them out of that city. They were safe there, they were to be there until the death of the high priest, then they were to be released, and they were to be free again. Now, this is so like God's salvation. We need a refuge. There's a terrible storm coming. We're guilty of sin. The Avenger, God Himself, is coming back in flaming fire and judgment on the wicked, so we need a city of refuge. The way to that city is very plain and clear. Jesus said, "...I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." - John 14:6. The only way we can come to God's city of refuge is through the Lord Jesus Christ. The way is plain and clear. We have no trouble finding the way. Jesus died for our sins and we come to Him and trust Him as our Savior. There will be a ready welcome waiting for you there. Jesus says, "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me." - Revelation 3:20 The Lord is waiting to receive you, there'll be a ready welcome waiting for you there. Above all, you'll be safe when you come to the Lord's place of refuge. You'll be in a safe place. Nobody will ever touch you there. Satan and all of his powers can't get you there. The only safe place to be for time and eternity is in the Lord Jesus Christ. Trust the Savior today.