How can believers today offer refuge to those seeking forgiveness and restoration? A Living Picture: Numbers 35:6 “ The cities you give the Levites will include six cities of refuge, to which a manslayer may flee, in addition to forty-two other cities.” The Lord set aside places where someone who caused death unintentionally could run, be protected from vengeance, and have his case heard. These cities foreshadow the saving work of Christ and model how His people can become sanctuaries for the repentant today. Why Refuge Is Still Needed • Sin wounds, isolates, and exposes people to judgment (Romans 6:23). • Christ is the ultimate refuge—“We who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be strongly encouraged.” (Hebrews 6:18) • Believers are called to extend the same mercy they have received (Ephesians 4:32). Characteristics of Ancient Refuge—Principles for Us 1. Accessibility: Cities were spread across the land (Joshua 20:7-9). – Today: Keep the gospel and fellowship within easy reach—welcoming services, clear communication, multiple entry points for newcomers. 2. Open Gates: Roads were wide and well-marked. – Today: Remove unnecessary barriers—judgmental attitudes, insider language, complicated procedures. 3. Immediate Shelter: The avenger could not enter (Numbers 35:12). – Today: Provide safe environments where confession is met first with protection, not punishment. 4. Fair Hearing: Elders investigated before verdict (Joshua 20:4). – Today: Listen carefully, verify facts, and apply Scripture before drawing conclusions. 5. Priestly Presence: Levites served in every refuge city. – Today: Mature believers, equipped in the Word, walk with the hurting until restoration is complete. Practical Ways to Build Modern Cities of Refuge • Create honest culture – Small groups where sins and struggles can be confessed (James 5:16). • Practice restorative discipline – Gently restore the one caught in trespass, watching ourselves (Galatians 6:1). • Offer tangible help – Counseling, job support, meals, childcare—“let us not love with word or tongue alone” (1 John 3:18). • Celebrate repentance – Rejoice openly when prodigals return (Luke 15:7). • Maintain confidentiality – Protect reputations while healing progresses (Proverbs 11:13). • Connect to professionals – Partner with biblical counselors and medical resources when needed. • Keep pointing to Christ – He “always lives to intercede” (Hebrews 7:25); restoration flows from Him. Guardrails That Keep Refuge Safe • Truth and Grace together (John 1:14). • Accountability structures—plural leadership, clear processes (Matthew 18:15-17). • Regular teaching on holiness so refuge never becomes license (Romans 6:1-2). Sustaining a Culture of Grace • Remember your own deliverance (Titus 3:3-7). • Stay Spirit-filled; only He produces patience, kindness, self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). • Pray for those you shelter (Colossians 1:9-10). The Ultimate Refuge All earthly shelters point to Jesus, “a hiding place from the wind, a shelter from the storm” (Isaiah 32:2). As His body, the church embodies that refuge—welcoming every repentant heart, guiding each one into full restoration, and displaying the mercy that first rescued us. |
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