Joshua 20

Bible Passage: Joshua 20

For the past few days, besides the World Cup, flash floods in Singapore have been hogging the headlines.  

Eyewitness pictures of the “worst floods in 20 years” were published in the papers and on the internet.  

These floods caused by heavy downpour left a trail of damage and destruction in various parts of our country.  

Because of the rain, the weather is so cold as well.

I am always thankful when I reach home because home is cosy and toasty warm.  Sometimes I would think of the homeless who have to bear with the bitter cold outside, especially at night.  

Unfortunately for them, they could not seek permanent and solid refuge or shelter from the cold and strong winds.

In today’s short chapter, God commands the appointment of six cities of refuge.

The purpose for the cities of refuge was stated:
 
“These were the cities appointed for all the children of Israel and for the stranger who dwelt among them, that whoever killed a person accidentally might flee there, and not die by the hand of the avenger of blood until he stood before the congregation.”   – Joshua 20:9
 
The cities of refuge were not only for the benefit of the Israelites, but also for the stranger among them.    

Much like us today, isn’t it?

God’s salvation grace is extended to us, such that today we have Him as our cities of refuge. We find comfort in Him, whenever storms and floods of worldly cares and troubles threaten to engulf us.

We do not need to fear that we would be turned away in time of need.
 
The word ‘refuge’ also appeared a few times in the bible:
 
God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble.  -Psalms 46:1

This verse encourages us to hope and trust in the Lord. Through Him we shall triumph over our enemies.
 
That by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we might have strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us. -Hebrews 6:18

We need an anchor to keep us sure and steady. God’s grace and mercy are the grounds of this hope, so it is a steadfast hope.

What a comfort these two verses are. God’s grace is always there, and is always sufficient.    

The other day I was chatting to my boss who is also a Christian. She said that when she goes to church, she felt so free from all the world’s troubles and church is a refuge for her.  

Indeed, when we encounter sorrows and pain, He gathers us into His arms and carries us close to His heart.  

We are safe and saved because of Him.   

Like our refuge Jesus Christ, the cities of refuge provide protection only within their boundaries.. to go out of these perimeters means death.  

Yesterday biblereader mentioned that the Mid-Year Evangelistic service is just round the corner.

Our church has printed so many beautiful copies of tracts..Have we given out these invitation tracts to our non-believing family members and friends?  

Have we given them this chance to have the Lord Jesus as their refuge as well?  

In our door-to-door evangelism, we meet people from all walks of life. They seek their refuge in all sorts of gods, and money.  

When these fail them, they have no hope in life, no refuge or shelter to run to.   These people are really pitiful and in need of Jesus in their lives.  

May God open up the doors of their hearts, and grant us the courage to preach the gospel to them.