“The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.” -Proverbs 18:10.

Unfavorable circumstances can sometimes render us totally devastated… even in our innocence, no matter what the rationale, there are times when others will choose to find us guilty as charged.  But, regardless of the accusations…we have a safe place, our “City of Refuge,” where we can flee to the foot of the cross and find safety in the One who paid the price on Calvary’s Cross-Jesus Christ our Lord!

In the book of Joshua Chapter 20, we find that God commanded the children of Israel to appoint six cities of refuge strategically throughout Canaan. “The Cities of Refuge” were six Levitical towns in the Kingdom of Israel and the Kingdom of Judah in which the perpetrators of accidental manslaughter could claim the right of asylum.”  -Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

Those who accidentally manslaughterer another was automatically sentenced to death by the law, no exceptions… but the appointed cities of refuge were places to find help from the guilty charge. The cities were easily accessible from every part of the land and set high on the hills to be easily seen; any obstacles that could deter the swiftness of the one running to safety were cleared away and all the rivers connected to these cities had bridges; signs were posted that read “Refuge” to guide and encourage the runner along the way. Once the runner reached one of these cities he could live there until his death or the death of the high priest, at which time he could return to his native city in safety.

These Cities of Refuge are quite interesting and most importantly; they represent a type and shadow of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ; He is the One who provides us with a place of safety; and just as the six cities mandated by God offered a safe haven from sure death for the people…Jesus offers eternal salvation to all sinners. The road to eternal life has no obstacles and is easily seen” Jesus saith unto him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” John 14:6.” 

My friends may we continually give all thanks to God our Father for sending us our “City of Refuge” in the personage of His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ; He is the rock to which we can flee, He hung high on that hill and cleared the way from death to eternal life! No matter what circumstance we may find ourselves at this moment, He is always accessible, as Marin Luther wrote… A Mighty Fortress is Our God!

There is absolutely nothing that can take us out of His protective and providential care… we can confidently say: “Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance. Selah.” Psalm 32:7. 

So, whatever your need…run to the foot of the cross; Jesus alone can bear your heavy burdens; He is our City of Refuge, who provides holiness, strength, fellowship, uplifting, joy and safety forever!

The cities of refuge:

West of Jordan                                                  East of Jordan

Kedesh – Holiness                                             Ramoth-Gilead – Uplifting

Shechem –Strength                                           Golan – Joy

Kirjath-Arba or Hebron – Fellowship           Bezer – Safety

God’s grace is sufficient for us all!