What connections exist between Joshua 20:2 and Jesus as our ultimate refuge? Verse Under the Microscope “Tell the Israelites to designate the cities of refuge, as I instructed you through Moses.” (Joshua 20:2) What a City of Refuge Meant • Set apart by God, not invented by man • Accessible—strategically placed so no Israelite was ever far away • Open gates—available at all hours for the one who ran • Protection from the avenger of blood until a fair trial • A priestly covering—inhabitants remained until the high priest died (Joshua 20:6) Jesus, the Greater Refuge • Divinely appointed: Acts 2:23; 1 Peter 1:20 • Near to all who call: Romans 10:13; John 6:37 • Always open: Matthew 11:28; Revelation 22:17 • Perfect protection from judgment: Romans 8:1; Colossians 3:3 • High-Priestly covering that never ends: Hebrews 7:23-25 Parallel Points to Notice • Both refuges stem from God’s command—grace, not human idea • Swift flight required then; swift faith required now (Hebrews 6:18) • Innocent blood secured safety—then by animal sacrifice, now by Christ’s own blood (Hebrews 9:12) • Life inside the city centered on holiness; life in Christ centers on sanctification (1 Corinthians 1:30) • Release came when the high priest died; eternal freedom comes because our High Priest lives forever (Hebrews 4:14, 7:25) Living in the Safe Zone • Rest from fear: Psalm 46:1 • Confidence before God: 1 John 2:1-2 • Mission to point others to the open gate: 2 Corinthians 5:18-20 |
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