How can we apply the concept of refuge in our church community today? The Refuge Principle in Joshua 20:5 “If, however, the avenger of blood pursues him, they must not hand the manslayer over to him, because that person killed his neighbor accidentally without prior malice.” • God literally established six cities where the innocent-but-accused could live safely. • The elders guarded the gates and protected the fugitive until full justice was done. • The verse reveals God’s heart: mercy is woven into His justice, protection into His holiness. Seeing Jesus in the City of Refuge • Psalm 46:1 — “God is our refuge and strength.” • Hebrews 6:18 — “We who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be strongly encouraged.” • Every city of refuge foreshadows Christ, the ultimate safe place for sinners who repent. • Just as entry into the ancient city guaranteed life, coming to Jesus guarantees eternal life (John 10:28). Why the Church Continues the Refuge Ministry • The risen Christ calls His body to mirror His character (Ephesians 5:1–2). • Believers are “living stones” built together as a spiritual house (1 Peter 2:5). A house is meant to shelter. • Galatians 6:2 commands us to “carry one another’s burdens.” A burden shared is a refuge offered. Practical Ways to Offer Refuge Today Relational refuge: • Welcome quickly, judge slowly (Romans 15:7). • Keep confidences; gossip breaks down the city walls (Proverbs 11:13). • Train greeters, ushers, and group leaders to notice the lonely and initiate genuine conversation. Emotional refuge: • Provide trained counselors and biblically grounded support groups for grief, addiction, trauma. • Create quiet prayer spaces where people can sit, cry, or simply breathe Psalm 62:8: “Pour out your hearts before Him; God is our refuge.” Spiritual refuge: • Guard pulpit and classroom from error; sound doctrine steadies troubled hearts (Titus 1:9). • Offer clear paths to repentance and restoration (James 5:16; 1 John 1:9). • Schedule regular communion services reminding all that refuge is found at the cross. Material refuge: • A benevolence fund for members in crisis (Acts 4:34–35). • Partner with local shelters; host emergency housing in church facilities when possible. • Organize meal trains, transportation teams, and job-skills workshops. Safe-refuge culture: • Visible security measures communicate protection without intimidation. • Child-safety policies, background checks, and two-adult rules uphold innocence and trust. • Clear, compassion-first response plans for abuse allegations reflect Joshua 20:5—protect the vulnerable while due process unfolds. Guarding the Refuge from Abuse • Refuge is not refuge if sin is ignored. Lovingly confront persistent wrong (Matthew 18:15–17). • Set time-bound accountability for those restored, just as the manslayer remained until the high priest’s death (Joshua 20:6). • Train leaders to discern between true repentance and manipulation (2 Corinthians 7:10–11). Refuge Powered by the Gospel • We offer safety because we have received safety. • We extend mercy because justice fell on Christ in our place (Isaiah 53:5). • As we keep pointing one another to the Savior, our gatherings become living echoes of those ancient walls—strong, open, and anchored in the unchanging Word. |
    |