Reading: Joshua 20
“These were the cities designated for all the Israelites and
for the aliens residing among them…until there was a trial before the
congregation.” Joshua 20: 9
Long before they settled the land, Moses had appointed
cities of refuge according to the Lord’s directions. Now the time had come to
implement the protection that would be necessary to uphold justice for both
Israelites and aliens in their midst.
Refuge—not pardon.
Sins of error—not sins of deliberate intent.
Real justice—not revenge.
Time for adrenaline, and fury, and searing emotional pain,
to subside from a roaring firestorm into a focused trial. To examine all the
circumstances and separate out the innocent from the guilty before more death
occurred.
Time for mercy to be examined both for the accused and the
bereaved.
Time before time existed, before the foundation of the
world, the Lord prepared a refuge for us in Jesus to give hope instead of death
in the face of all sins. As a costly gift from God.
“But He was pierced
through for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; The
chastening for our well-being fell upon Him, And by His scouring we are
healed.” Isaiah 53: 5
Thank you, Lord, for the protection You offer us in all
circumstances. Thank you for Your gifts of justice, and mercy, and
faithfulness, when we do not deserve it and can never earn it. Thank you for
Your deliverance from ourselves, both the enemies within and without. Thank you
for
Psalm of Worship: Psalm 140: 7, 12
“O Lord, my Lord, my strong deliverer, you have covered my
head in the day of battle.”
“I know that the Lord maintains the cause of the needy, and
executes justice for the poor.”
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