Jesus Christ is our ULTIMATE “City of Refuge”
February 20
Bible Reading: Numbers Chapters 34-36
Jesus Christ is our ULTIMATE “City of Refuge”
In Numbers
35:9-34, God commands Moses to appoint six
cities of refuge to run in and hide, which would serve as interim
shelters for murderers who commit crime by accident until they are brought to
trial. They should not leave the vicinity of the cities of refuge until the
death of the High Priest, and it is only then that they are free to go back to
their homes (v. 28).
In both the Old and New Testament, our Lord
Jesus Christ is alluded to as our “City of Refuge”:
- Old
Testament: "Return to the stronghold, you prisoners of hope. Even today I declare that I will
restore double to you" (Zech 9:12)
- New
Testament: "Thus God, determining to show more
abundantly to the heirs of promise the immutability of His counsel, confirmed
it by an oath, that by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God
to lie, we might have strong
consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us"
(Heb 6:17-18)
These cities of refuge are a shadow
of the rich mercies of salvation that we have obtained through Jesus Christ:
- These cities of refuge rear their towers of safety on high – similar to Christ raised up on the cross (John 3:14-15) and then exalted to the right hand of God the Father after His ascension (Philippians 2:9).
- The highway of salvation resembles the smooth and plain paths to the cities of refuge – similar to the path that leads to our Redeemer Jesus (John 14:6).
- Road signs were
set up pointing to the cities of refuge – similar to the ministers of the gospel who direct sinners to Christ
(Ephesians 4:11-13).
- The gates of the cities of refuge stood open night and day – similar to Christ who will not cast anyone who goes to Him (John 6:37).
- The cities of refuge afforded support to everyone who entered its walls – similar to Christ who promises support for us when we abide in Him (John 15:4-5).
- Finally, the cities of refuge were a protection for all – similar to Christ who promises us divine protection from the wrath of God (Romans 8:1).
It is therefore clear that Jesus Christ is our ULTIMATE “City of Refuge”! God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble (Psalms 46:1). Let us run to Him alone for help in the time of need. “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Heb 4:16).
