Day 69 – Numbers 35-36

Talking Points

• The Levites are given 48 cities in the Promised Land. They are to live in the cities and the surrounding land. Six of the cities are designated “cities of refuge.” A person accused of murder, though it was accidental, could flee to the city to await a fair trial. It is interesting the city did not exist to escape justice, but to ensure justice. God is perfectly just in all His dealings — always has been.
• God clearly defines what constitutes murder. The explanation is detailed, leaving nothing to chance. God always makes it clear to us what sin is. The terms are clear and not left to guesswork.
• The rules for passing on an inheritance are given. How awesome — an enslaved people, who had no portion or land of their own, now have something to leave to another generation. Can you hear the promise made to Abraham?
  “Now the LORD said to Abram, ‘Go forth from your country, And from your relatives And from your father’s house, To the land which I will show you; And I will make you a great nation, And I will bless you, And make your name great;'” Genesis 12:1-2
  
  God is faithful!

Thoughts

A refuge. A shelter, a safe place, a trust, — a hope. Throughout the Israelites’ journey, truly from the beginning of time, God has proven, again and again, to be a refuge to any who would run to Him. He was their powerful Provider. He was their Help and Comfort. He was their Hope and Trust.

Today, those who run to Him will not be disappointed, because He is faithful, unshakeable. The Israelites who ran to a city of refuge could safely await a trial seeking justice. For us, justice for our sins is provided in Jesus. The penalty is not done away with, rather it was placed on Him. Grace for our sins is found by fleeing to Jesus. We do escape the penalty, because Christ paid it.

Friend, as you read God’s Word and see His gracious provision for Israel, may you see He has provided for you as well. May you run to Him, trust in Him, take refuge in Him.

Call out to Him:

 “The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold and my refuge; My savior,” 2 Samuel 22:2-3

Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
Let me hide myself in Thee;
Let the water and the blood,
From Thy wounded side which flowed,
Be of sin the double cure,
Save from wrath and make me pure.

Not the labor of my hands
Can fulfill Thy law’s demands;
Could my zeal no respite know,
Could my tears forever flow,
All for sin could not atone;
Thou must save, and Thou alone.

Nothing in my hand I bring,
Simply to Thy cross I cling;
Naked, come to Thee for dress;
Helpless, look to Thee for grace;
Foul, I to the fountain fly;
Wash me, Savior, or I die.

While I draw this fleeting breath,
When my eyes shall close in death,
When I rise to worlds unknown,
And behold Thee on Thy throne,
Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
Let me hide myself in Thee.