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In Search of Refuge (Num. 35:9-29; Heb. 6:17-20) As the innocent manslayer could flee to the cities of refuge and avoid death, even so we can flee to the church to find refuge… |
In Search of Refuge (Num. 35:9-29; Heb. 6:17-20)
As the innocent manslayer could flee to the cities of refuge and avoid death, even so we can flee to the church to find refuge…
- Refuge Established—Six cities were set aside for the protection of any who had accidentally killed another (Num. 35:12-15; Josh. 20:7-9); like-wise Jesus promised and built His church for any who would flee for refuge (Matt. 16:18, 11:28-30; Acts 10:34-35; 2:16-47).
- Refuge Sought
- Offense Recognized – he had to recognize his guilt and flee to a city of refuge (Gen 9:6, Deut. 19:6); likewise the sinner must recognize his guilt and flee to refuge, the church (Rom. 6:23; Rev. 12:10; 2 Pet. 3:9-10; 2 Cor. 5:10; Rev. 20:15; Eph. 2:16; 1 John 1:7, 2:1).
- Way Is Clear – these cities of refuge were to be made known (Num. 35:14); likewise the place of refuge or salvation has been made known (Matt. 7:13-14, 21; John 14:6; Matt. 28:19-20; John 12:48; Rom. 2:16; Acts 17:30, 2:38, Matt. 10:32-33).
- Right City Is Critical – Only the identified cities provided safety (Num. 35:12); only the church provides safety (Eph. 1:7; Acts 22:16; Heb. 6:17-20; Rom. 6:23; Eph. 5:23, 1:22-23, 4:4; Matt. 16:18).
- Refuge Provided
- Safety Granted to Innocent – The manslayer had to be found innocent (Josh. 20:4; Num. 35:24-25; Deut. 19:11-13) but in Christ we are declared innocent (Heb. 8:6; Acts 22:16; Heb. 5:8-9, 9:24).
- Safety Only Inside the City – He had to stay in the city for protection (Num. 35:25-27) and we must remain in the church (John 15:5-6; Heb. 7:25; Heb. 2:1-4; 2 Pet. 2:20-22; Rev. 2:10).
- Blessings Afforded – here he found safety and in Christ we find blessings (Eph. 1:3) (Names of cities: Kadesh=holy (1 Pet. 1:15-16); Shechem=rest (Matt. 11:28-29); Hebron=fellowship (1 Jn 1:3, 7); Bezer=fortress (John 10:28-29); Golan=joy (Phil. 4:4); Ramath=exalted(1 Pet. 2:9)).
