THE STORY OF JESUS: Numbers 33-36
“They will be places of refuge from the avenger…” (Numbers 35:12)
The cities of refuge were where the accused could seek protection and mercy.
Justice was the law of the land, and blood vengeance was permissible.
But within that death-cursed context, God provides places of mercy, of hope.
Much of Moses’ Law is hard to swallow for our modern sensitivities.
But again and again, shining out from the darkness, we see traces of the light of grace.
I am so thankful that we are not under the curse of the Law (Galatians 3:10,5:18).
For the traces of light in the Law explode with glory in Jesus, our refuge.
Jesus takes the curse of the Law for us, so that we might be forgiven and set free.
He becomes us, so that He can atone for our guilt (Numbers 35:33)
The Law stands against me, I am guilty and I cannot deny it.
But I can run to Jesus – like the sinful woman (John 8:1-11) – and find refuge in Him.
The stones will not fly, but instead the words, “Neither do I condemn you…”.
“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.” (Romans 8:1-2)
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, You are my refuge from my accuser. I know my guilt, I admit my shame. But I run to You, and here I find mercy. And with Your help, I can “go and sin no more!”