PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Joshua 19-20
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“He is to stay in that city until he stands trial before the assembly.” (Joshua 20:6)
The phrase ‘innocent until proven guilty’ is welcome, unless you are the victim.
We do not want to be treated unfairly, or judged without a fair trial.
But when we have been wronged, our anger makes us ‘avengers of blood’.
We want fairness for ourselves, and punishment for all other sinners.
The ‘city of refuge’ ought to be a place where sinners can come for fairness.
Not to be prejudged, or treated as guilty before all the facts are known.
And even if they are guilty, not to be abused by their accusers.
Jesus reminds us to treat others as we want to be treated (Matthew 7:12).
If you are a sinner and desire mercy, shouldn’t others get it too?
I see the fellowship of Jesus followers as a city of refuge… or ought to be.
A safe place for sinners to stand before Jesus, the right and fair Judge of all.
Sadly, I am not convinced that the ‘church’ is a place of refuge.
There’s a whole lot of pre-judging going on, spoken and unspoken.
But I can’t be critical, because I do it too, we all do; Lord have mercy!
PRAYER
Lord, I cannot change the church, because I cannot change me. I admit that I am guilty of prejudging people when I do not know the facts. Impress my own guilt on me, to make me as merciful as I need others to be of me!
Grants of land and safety from ‘mob or revenge’ justice – all part of God’s plan through Moses and activated under Joshua’s watch. God provides and enables his people to provide refuge. It is an example for us to follow – to provide and to provide safety for the refugee. God’s people were blessed by resources – and so are we – but God has purpose in mind – its not just for me! On that I/we will be judged!
Lord give us the wisdom to be a refuge. Help us be discerning and strong when being a haven.
As the children of Israel received their inheritance, so too will His children of today receive their inheritance. The inheritance is specific, given but needed to follow His command in order to receive it fully. Follow the word of the Lord. So too this day I need to follow His Word, to live for Jesus, to go forward in His name and in His power to receive my inheritance. Do this and live, that is what the Master said.
1. God gives His people strength.
If we believe in His way, He’s swift to repay
All those who bear the burden of the day
God gives His people strength.
2. God gives His people hope
If we but trust in His word, our prayers are always heard
He warmly welcomes anyone who’s erred.
God gives His people hope.
3. God gives His people love
If we but open wide our hearts, He’s sure to do His part
He’s always the first to make a start.
God gives His people love.
4. God gives His people peace.
When sorrow fills us to the brim, and courage grows dim
He lays to rest our restlessness in Him.
God gives His people peace.