God's Refuge

If you feel alone and not able to fit in with those around you, I bring you peace and hope for your heart. You are truly not alone! A soujourner is a resident alien in a foreign land. Jesus said we are to live in the world, but not be part of the world. This place we live in is not our home. We have something better waiting for us!

I have been told repeatedly this week that if God tells you something more than once, stop and listen because He is really trying to tell you something. I want to share this with you.

In Exodus chapter 20, God gives us the law through the ten commandments. Perhaps being a soujourner makes it difficult for you to feel the Joy of the Lord? Exodus 20:21 says "The people remained at a distance, while Moses approached the thick darkness where God was." God was in the thick darkness! Do not fear the darkness in your life for He is there.

In Exodus Chapter 21, God gives us Grace, directly following the law. He says in 21:12-13: "Anyone who strikes a man and kills him shall surely be put to death. However, if he does not do it intentionally, but God lets it happen, he is to flee to a place I will designate." I have unintentionally harmed others through my words and sometimes my deeds. God has promised a place for us to find refuge.

In Numbers 35: 6-21, God provides six cities of refuge to anyone who unintentionally kills someone. Six represents man; it is the picture of humanity. The key to this is it cannot be premeditated harm to another.

In Joshua 20, God tells Joshua again to designate the cities of refuge. This time they are named by God - cities to be set apart - places we can run to in times of trouble. In order, the six cities are:

• Kedesh in Galilee - translates to Sanctuary.
• Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim - translates to shoulder. To whom do we get comfort when we cry?
• Hebron in Kiraith Arba in the hill country of Judah - translates to fellowship or communion.
• Bezer on the east side of Jordan of Jericho - translates to a fortified place or a strong hold.
• Ramoth in Gilead - translates to Height. A city on a hill.
• Golan in Bashan - translates to joy or exhultation.

Do you have a complete picture of what God was and continues to give us? Through His Grace we have a place to find refuge. Through grace, we have not just a place but a person to run to. To whom do you seek? To where do you run? Are you choosing to live in the law or under Grace?

God be with you as you go through the week!