Joshua 20 - 10.30.24

Scripture

Then the Lord said to Joshua “Tell the Israelites to designate the cities of refuge, as I instructed you through Moses, so that anyone who kills a person accidentally and unintentionally may flee there and find protection from the avenger of blood.” (Joshua 20:1-3)

Observation

In Deuteronomy 19, God had given instructions to Moses about the cities of refuge. Now Joshua has conquered the Promised Land, and he is in the process of designating cities. God asks him to designate the cities of refuge. In the Old Testament, the law is “eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot” (Exodus 21:24), which means retaliation is allowed and expected for every sin. If someone is murdered, the law required the murderer to be killed in retaliation. (Exodus 21:12). However, God provided provision for an accidental killing. Someone who killed someone accidentally can flee to one of the designated cities of refuge, and once inside the city’s boundaries, he cannot be killed. He is free to return home once the High Priest of the time dies, and can no longer be killed.

Everything in the Old Testament is a shadow (Colossians 2:17) of Jesus and God’s plan of redemption through Him. The cities of refuge are a shadow of Jesus, to whom we can run and be safe. Once covered by His blood, we are safe from the wages of our sin. The wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23) and Jesus died for us. In the New Testament, Jesus is our High Priest (Hebrews 4:14), and his death has freed us from the penalty of our sins.  

In writing this Observation, I drew inspiration from my mother, Susamma Chacko, and her book “Jesus in the Old Testament”. 

Application

Jesus is our refuge to which we can run into, everytime we fall. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins. The blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from all sin. (1 John 1:7-8). We were bought with a price (1 Cor 7:23). It cost God everything to save us - the blood of his Son, Jesus.  Let us live a life that acknowledges the price He paid, bringing glory to His name.

Prayer

Thank you Jesus for reminding me that you are the city of refuge that I can run into. You have paid the price for my sin. Your blood has washed me. Your death and resurrection has set me free. Help me to live a life that is worthy of the calling you have placed on my life (Ephesians 4:1), bringing glory to your name. In Jesus’s name I pray. Amen.

- Asha Chacko George