A Refuge in the Time of Storm

Joshua 20:1-6 (KJV) The LORD also spake unto Joshua, saying, Speak to the children of Israel, saying, Appoint out for you cities of refuge, whereof I spake unto you by the hand of Moses: That the slayer that killeth any person unawares and unwittingly may flee thither: and they shall be your refuge from the avenger of blood. And when he that doth flee unto one of those cities shall stand at the entering of the gate of the city, and shall declare his cause in the ears of the elders of that city, they shall take him into the city unto them, and give him a place, that he may dwell among them. And if the avenger of blood pursue after him, then they shall not deliver the slayer up into his hand; because he smote his neighbour unwittingly, and hated him not beforetime. And he shall dwell in that city, until he stand before the congregation for judgment, and until the death of the high priest that shall be in those days: then shall the slayer return, and come unto his own city, and unto his own house, unto the city from whence he fled.


There were six cities of refuge in Israel during Bible times. Many have never heard of these places. It was their way of protecting those who accidentally took a life. I can picture a desperate soul, pleading at the gates for mercy and sanctuary. What a relief to be ushered in to the safety of those protective walls!

Is there a place in today's world, where we can take refuge and find comfort and peace for our bruised, battered and bewildered souls?

The church should be that place. 

As a body of Christ, we can reach out our hands to help those who are hurting. You've seen them in your community. Maybe they've even been brave enough to enter the doors of our centers of worship. But do we really minister to them? Sometimes, all it takes is a smile and a soft word of welcome.

Believers may need a refuge, too. We get loaded down by the cares of this world and shoulder more than we can carry. As a congregation, we can support and encourage one another. Let's share our failures, so they don't seem that large, and our victories, so they can be enjoyed as a group.

Christ is our refuge...the Anchor of our souls. We can turn to Him with all our needs, but for those who haven't heard the Good News, let the church be a soft place to fall. For those who have lost their way, let the church be a lighthouse. And for hurting saints, let the church be a place of healing.

***

Female in Motion Health Update: I have a cold. My nose is stopped up, my throat is sore and I am bone-weary. How is it that something so minor can feel so major???

***

Notable Quote:

The Lord’s our Rock, in Him we hide,
A Shelter in the time of storm;
Secure whatever ill betide,
A Shelter in the time of storm.

Oh, Jesus is a Rock in a weary land,
A weary land, a weary land;
Oh, Jesus is a Rock in a weary land,
A Shelter in the time of storm.--Hymn by Charlesworth and Sankey, 1880