Where do you go when you have messed up? Who do you turn to when the weight of life is too heavy to carry? The Lord is telling Joshua to establish these cities of refuge for unintentional murder. The Lord had given more specifics of what all this entails in Numbers 35. These are cities that offer refuge for the person who legitimately didn’t mean to commit murder. There is also something we don't consider often when we read this. There is refuge for the person seeking vengeance. We think we will feel better if we can just get revenge on that person who harmed us or our family. That justice will be served when we retaliate, give them a piece of our mind or worse harm then physically for what they have done.
Wouldn’t it be nice to have a phone of refuge? A time where our phone or email was in the penalty box? That way when we were hurt or offended, we had time to think before seeking out the person and giving them a piece of our mind or worse? There is no revenge that is sweet… and listen up… if you think you retaliating will bring you peace… that’s just untrue and the devil is a lie!
This ministers to me today! Jesus is our refuge, our only refuge. “God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble.” Psalms 46:1
If you think being angry, bitter, conniving, or revengeful helps in your time of trouble… you are wrong. Your vengeance festers deep within your heart and rears it’s affect in other parts your life. You could be holding a grudge against the person who offended or hurt you and it affect your relationships with those you love and are closest to you the most.
This went a whole different way than when I started writing so let me say this: “Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.” Romans 12:19
Jesus is your refuge… so go to Him now and let Him do what He does best. “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
- To Know Jesus. To Live on Mission.