Speak to the children of Israel, saying, Appoint out for you cities of refuge, whereof I spake unto you by the hand of Moses: That the slayer that killeth any person unawares and unwittingly may flee thither: and they shall be your refuge from the avenger of blood. And when he that doth flee unto one of those cities shall stand at the entering of the gate of the city, and shall declare his cause in the ears of the elders of that city, they shall take him into the city unto them, and give him a place, that he may dwell among them. And if the avenger of blood pursue after him, then they shall not deliver the slayer up into his hand; because he smote his neighbour unwittingly, and hated him not beforetime. And he shall dwell in that city, until he stand before the congregation for judgment, and until the death of the high priest that shall be in those days: then shall the slayer return, and come unto his own city, and unto his own house, unto the city from whence he fled. (Jos 20:2-6)
GOD commanded Joshua to set aside several cities of refuge, not for willful criminals to escape justice and judgment, but for those who unintentionally caused the death of others to avoid vengeance by the victims family. They would not escape justice and would be judged, but it would allow for the civil process to review the case and protect those who were not guilty of blood-guilt. GOD had recognized the nature of vengeance and allowed for it, but also protected those who were not guilty of premeditated murder and assault from the families of those they hurt or killed.
It is also a picture of Jesus Christ, who is our refuge. We, by our very nature, are guilty of sIn, and yes some of that premeditated. But GOD in His mercy and out of His love for His creation, sent His only begotten Son, to put on flesh, and live a perfect human life as a man, and to pay for our sins, that we might receive mercy and grace through Him, and not the vengeance, judgement, and justice we deserve. GOD's grace is a free gift extended to those who have repented of their sins and put their faith and trust in His finished and perfect work on the Cross of Calvary for our Salvation. GOD's mercy means we are free from sin, not to sin more, or to live as we please, but true liberty to live in Christ, through His Word and indwelling Spirit, living His life in us and for His glory.
Living the life of liberty and service that He has fore-ordained that all who come to Christ should live means living for Him and by Him. We live His life as we minister to others in His power and by His direction, that those around us who are hurting and in need might know Him. We live His life as we disciple one another, the members of His body, in His Word and with love one to another, as He also loved us. We live His life as we go in His authority to this lost and dying world with His Gospel and share the Good News of reconciliation with GOD through Jesus Christ to all who will hear, that those who repent and believe might have life in His Name.
For GOD is not willing that any should perish, but that all would come to repentance and the knowledge of the the Truth. Jesus loves you and wants to establish a covenant relationship with you that is real and personal. Surrender to Him on His terms and He will give you a brand new life of discipleship and fellowship with Him that is abundant and everlasting. GOD calls you to trust Him and what He has already done for you to pay your sIn debt. He has provided the only way of reconciliation with GOD, forgiveness from GOD, and Salvation through Jesus Christ, the Son of GOD who is GOD the Son, to give you a new life in Christ. Turn away from yourself and your sIn and turn to Him alone for eternal Life, now and always.
In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet
It is also a picture of Jesus Christ, who is our refuge. We, by our very nature, are guilty of sIn, and yes some of that premeditated. But GOD in His mercy and out of His love for His creation, sent His only begotten Son, to put on flesh, and live a perfect human life as a man, and to pay for our sins, that we might receive mercy and grace through Him, and not the vengeance, judgement, and justice we deserve. GOD's grace is a free gift extended to those who have repented of their sins and put their faith and trust in His finished and perfect work on the Cross of Calvary for our Salvation. GOD's mercy means we are free from sin, not to sin more, or to live as we please, but true liberty to live in Christ, through His Word and indwelling Spirit, living His life in us and for His glory.
Living the life of liberty and service that He has fore-ordained that all who come to Christ should live means living for Him and by Him. We live His life as we minister to others in His power and by His direction, that those around us who are hurting and in need might know Him. We live His life as we disciple one another, the members of His body, in His Word and with love one to another, as He also loved us. We live His life as we go in His authority to this lost and dying world with His Gospel and share the Good News of reconciliation with GOD through Jesus Christ to all who will hear, that those who repent and believe might have life in His Name.
For GOD is not willing that any should perish, but that all would come to repentance and the knowledge of the the Truth. Jesus loves you and wants to establish a covenant relationship with you that is real and personal. Surrender to Him on His terms and He will give you a brand new life of discipleship and fellowship with Him that is abundant and everlasting. GOD calls you to trust Him and what He has already done for you to pay your sIn debt. He has provided the only way of reconciliation with GOD, forgiveness from GOD, and Salvation through Jesus Christ, the Son of GOD who is GOD the Son, to give you a new life in Christ. Turn away from yourself and your sIn and turn to Him alone for eternal Life, now and always.
In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet
RSS Feed