CITY OF REFUGE

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Joshua 20:9

These cities were set apart for all the Israelites as well as the foreigners living among them. Anyone who accidentally killed another person could take refuge in one of these cities. In this way, they could escape being killed in revenge prior to standing trial before the local assembly.


In settling in the land of promise, we read through so many instructions concerning the way of life of the Jew and what was expected of them. Here we read of the city of refuge, do we call it a prison city or more clearly, an asylum, for those who commit fatal offences.


When we go back to the book of Numbers we see where the instruction was given, and it was stated that there should be a minimum of two witnesses to prove the case against the offender, before capital punishment can be given.


Numbers 35:30

“All murderers must be put to death, but only if evidence is presented by more than one witness. No one may be put to death on the testimony of only one witness.


We must be cautious about allegations against the brethren, do not always take everything as it is presented. We have God's Spirit, always let the Spirit lead the way and not your emotions or sentiments, if you train yourself this way, you avoid a lot of mistakes.


It is not good for a "church" to be carnal, however, it is common in our days, this should not be so. 


Paul speaking about it said:


1 Corinthians 6:1-6

When one of you has a dispute with another believer, how dare you file a lawsuit and ask a secular court to decide the matter instead of taking it to other believers!

Don’t you realize that someday we believers will judge the world? And since you are going to judge the world, can’t you decide even these little things among yourselves?

Don’t you realize that we will judge angels? So you should surely be able to resolve ordinary disputes in this life.

If you have legal disputes about such matters, why go to outside judges who are not respected by the church?

I am saying this to shame you. Isn’t there anyone in all the church who is wise enough to decide these issues?

But instead, one believer sues another—right in front of unbelievers!


It was painful for him to see, the same to us today, really painful.


Do we ever consider how Christ feels when we do all these terrible things to His bride?


Are we ever conscious of the fact that it is His name that we play around with?


Remember when Paul was still lost, Jesus asked him:


Acts 9:4-5

He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul! Saul! Why are you persecuting me?”

“Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked. And the voice replied, “I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting!


All the rubbish supposed believers do in the name of the Lord.


All the mundane things introduced into our gatherings that have no place in scriptures, neither are they of God's Spirit.


The lack of love and the love of money, fame, popularity and the chase after relevance and influence. Instead of us bringing the world to Christ the world is bringing the church to itself.


Do we know how the Groom feels about all these?


Even in the time of the law there was a city of refuge. Is there any refuge in the house of the Lord today?


Finally, what part do you play in all these?


Are we just about asking, asking and asking; miracles, breakthrough etc.


O help us Good Lord.


PRAYER

Loving Father, I dwell in the secret place of Your Most High, keep me Lord faithful to You. Help me Father to fulfill Your will for Your church and all members of it. It will be a place of refuge to the lost till they can stand and begin to lead others to You. Glory to Your name Lord forevermore.


He calls us blessed.


Love

@the watcher.

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