Refuge in Christ 02.28.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

It is Thursday February 28, 2008 and today we are continuing our studies on the book of Numbers. Please read Numbers 34 -- 35 in your Bible or Click Here to read. In today's lesson we will read and learn about dividing the land of Canaan and refuge for the manslayer.

Unlike the other tribes, the tribe of Levi, which included the priests, did not have a separate inheritance in the land. They were to depend on the people's tithes, as God had commanded. Of their 48 cities, six were assigned as cities of refuge which were easily accessible throughout all the tribes.

He even provided cities for those suspected of manslaughter, these cities were vitally important as places of safety until a trial could determine their guilt or innocence. "And among the cities which ye shall give unto the Levites there shall be six cities for refuge, which ye shall appoint for the manslayer, that he may flee thither: and to them ye shall add forty and two cities. So all the cities which ye shall give to the Levites shall be forty and eight cities: them shall ye give with their suburbs." (Numbers 35:6-7). Even if the act was proven to be accidental, the manslayer was to remain in the city of refuge until the death of the high priest. As long as he was there, he was protected from the avenger (the nearest male relative of the victim). But if he left the city before the high priest died, he could legally be put to death.

The death of the high priest "atoned" for the manslayer and pictured Christ's death to atone for our sins. The manslayer was then to leave as a free person with no fear of being put to death. However, if the incident was proven to be deliberate murder, the guilty person was turned over to the avenger to be put to death. God said to spare the life of a guilty murderer would defile the nation, for the murderer not only had destroyed one who was created in the image of God, but he also had intentionally taken from God His authority over that life. "Whoso killeth any person, the murderer shall be put to death by the mouth of witnesses: but one witness shall not testify against any person to cause him to die. Moreover ye shall take no satisfaction for the life of a murderer, which is guilty of death: but he shall be surely put to death. And ye shall take no satisfaction for him that is fled to the city of his refuge, that he should come again to dwell in the land, until the death of the priest. So ye shall not pollute the land wherein ye are: for blood it defileth the land: and the land cannot be cleansed of the blood that is shed therein, but by the blood of him that shed it. Defile not therefore the land which ye shall inhabit, wherein I dwell: for I the LORD dwell among the children of Israel." (35:30-34).

When it was proven to the satisfaction of the congregation that the accused person was guilty of murder, he had to be put to death, regardless of age or whether it was a man or a woman. There was to be no consideration of being sentenced to time in prison, the possibility of parole or rehabilitation, or any kind of financial settlement.

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ revealed that hate and anger are sinful since they often lead to murder. "Ye have heard that it was said of them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire." (Matthew 5:21-22). Without the laws of God to protect us, the human race could not survive.

God expects more from His followers, who have been saved by the blood of His Son, than merely refraining from murder. He expects us to love others even as He loves us. "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another." (John 13:34). God demands the highest respect for human life, for man was created in His image.

In today's message Jesus Christ is revealed through the city of refuge (Numbers 35). Christ is our Refuge from the judgment of God and the curse of the Law. "That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil; Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec." (Hebrew 6:18-20).

Today's Psalm: 9:8-10
"And he shall judge the world in righteousness, he shall minister judgment to the people in uprightness. The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee."

Today's Prayer,
Dear Lord,
Thank you for blessing me with a new day and thank you for the many blessings bestowed upon me. Lord, I have not always turned to you in times of trouble, instead of coming to you I took things in my own hands through my anger and hurt. Lord forgive me for not coming to you and for the problems that were created in not doing so. Lord, you are my refuge and I put my complete trust and faith in You. I know that no matter what I am going through You are right there with me and will never forsake me. Walk with me, guide me, and be with me in all that I do. Give me the strength, courage, and patience I need to turn to You in all my times of need. I love You Lord and ask these things in Jesus' name.....Amen.

Have a great and wonderful day/night.
God Bless,
Christina

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