- These were the cities designated for all the people of Israel and for the stranger sojourning among them, that anyone who killed a person without intent could flee there, so that he might not die by the hand of the avenger of blood, till he stood before the congregation. Joshua 20:9 – As we can see from this passage, these cities of refuge were put in place for those who killed someone accidentally to run to for safety. What about those who killed purposefully? What about those who broke the law knowingly? What about the people that completely turned and did what was opposite of God’s way? What did God do for those people? He sent His own Son to die in their place so He could have the chance to be reunited with them again. For all of us who fall into the category of knowingly going opposite of God’s ways, God set up a city of refuge for us in Christ. We can run to Him for safety and forgiveness. In Him we can find life after our sin. Are you turning to your city of refuge or are you still running trying to find forgiveness somewhere it can never be found at? I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac
- Joshua 20 Daily DEVO And if the avenger of blood pursues him, they shall not give up the manslayer into his hand, because he struck his neighbor unknowingly, and did not hate him in the past. Joshua 20:5 – Sometimes the hurt we feel from someone was on accident. It’s so easy to assume they had malicious intent with what they said or how they reacted, but in actuality they may have had no such intent behind it. Let’s make a habit of speaking with and seeking clarity on situations like this, especially when it comes to brothers and sisters in Christ. Scripture is so strong on the importance of healthy relationships between Christians to where Jesus even said if we are in the middle of giving an offering to God and remember we had an issue with a brother, drop the offering and go mend that relationship. Always value peace and unity and pursue that in relationships. Don’t just assume that someone meant to hurt you, be willing to seek out the true intent behind their action or words. If Jesus died so we could find peace with Him, maybe we can suffer some awkward conversations to find peace in our relationships. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 1184
- Joshua 20 – Pastor Mac Daily DEVO These were the cities designated for all the people of Israel and for the stranger sojourning among them, that anyone who killed a person without intent could flee there, so that he might not die by the hand of the avenger of blood, till he stood before the congregation. Joshua 20:9 – Our chapter today is when the cities of refuge that God directed Moses long ago to set up are finally able to be established in the promise land. As we learn even from the verse above, these cities were designed for those who accidently killed someone could escape to and find protection from whoever may be chasing them to avenge the person who was killed. Yet what about those who intentionally killed? We learn from scripture how God directed the people back then to handle such individuals, and the result was death. Think though now to our story and our sin. “Accidently” or “unintentional” can’t be used honestly when we describe the sin in our story. We purposefully and intentionally have chosen to sin against God again and again and again. There shouldn’t be a “city of refuge” for someone like you and me…yet there is, and His name is Jesus. While we have chosen to sin, God allowed Jesus to take the punishment of our sin so we can be found clear of any guilt. Now instead of running to escape punishment, we can run to the Father for love, joy, rest, and salvation. Praise Jesus that we have a refuge like our God. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 2479
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