A Place of Refuge

(#928, Imperial, 1962)
Read Joshua 20.

Often the Scripture refers to God as a refuge (2 Sam. 22:3; Deut. 33:27).  In the New Testament Christ is a place of refuge (Heb. 6:18-20).  Today's Scripture speaks of 6 cities of refuge.

The purpose of these places of refuge.

They were for the slayer to seek protection until his case could be considered.  The slaying might have been justified or done in ignorance.  Anything contrary to God's perfect holiness is sin.  We often sin in ignorance, but we are still guilty and need a refuge from the certain and deserved punishment.

The place of refuge is Christ.

Each city speaks of Christ.
     1.  Kadesh means holiness or sanctification.  Christ is our sanctification (1 Cor. 1:30).
     2.  Shechem means shoulder or strength.  The gov't shall be on His shoulders (Isa. 9:6).  He is our strength (2Co.12:9).
     3.  Hebron means fellowship.  Christ is our fellowship (1 Jn. 1:3; 1 Cor. 1:9).
     4.  Bezer means fortification.  Christ is our armor to be put on (Rom 13:12-14).
     5.  Ramoth means high place, the place of security.  Christ is our security (Heb. 6:18-20).
     6.  Golan means exultation, joy.  Christ is our joy (Jn.15:11).
CHRIST IS OUR REFUGE.

Cities of refuge are typical of Christ as a place of refuge.

Think of Christ and the gospel as you consider these cities...
w    They were chosen by divine appointment.
w    Each was easily accessible (Rom. 10:8).
w    They were available to all (Rom 1:16).
w    There must be no delay.
w    None was ever refused admittance (John 6:37).
w    Safety is only found inside (Col. 3:1-3).
w    Death of the High Priest liberated the sinner (Gal. 3:13).

The believer's refuge is superior: He is accessible even to the guilty, there is no confinement but liberty, and the refuge is eternal.