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Christ in the City Joshua 20:1-9
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We find Jesus throughout the OT, and today we find him in some cities: [vv. 1-3]
The Jews are now in possession of the Promised Land. The 12 tribes divided up the land, but then there were 6 cities set aside as refuges in the case of an accidental killing. They were not places to harbor murderers and other offenders like the ‘sanctuary cities’ of today.
1. The Purpose If you had a family member murdered you would take it upon yourself to seek out the killer [w/ more fervency than OJ!] and see justice done.
v. 9 ‘the avenger of blood’ = the family. Ill.—if you were chopping wood w/ a friend and your axe head flew off and killed him, you needed a refuge to hide until the matter was dealt w/ fairly and judicially, a sanctuary where you could be protected in the meanwhile.
2. The Prophecy What does this illustrate?
Hebrews 6:18-20 In the OT they had a physical place of refuge, and we today have a spiritual place to run! So these cities were a picture of salvation in Christ.
Why would we need a place of refuge? If that’s for someone who commits homicide, what is that to me? Because we killed Jesus. Perhaps unknowingly or unwittingly. Jesus said ‘they know not what they do.’ But we did it.
Ill.—OJ’s book was called “IF I Did It”. There’s no if. And if we try to keep the if in our sinful situation, we’ll wind up having to do the time we think we have gotten away from, like OJ!
The Hammer
I was in the crowd the day that Jesus died
CHORUS:
I nailed Him there Ray Boltz
Ironic at least, that our city of refuge is the very One we helped to crucify.
Here’s the names of the cities, and their meanings: v. 7-8 · Kedesh = place of holiness. This speaks of Christ our Savior. The Bible says w/out holiness it’s impossible to see God. Since we don’t have holiness we can only seek to get it, and we cannot earn it so we can only hope to receive it as a gift. · Shechem = shoulder. Christ our strength. Something to lean on, something to carry the load. The gov’t is upon His shoulders. Sometimes we feel we cannot carry any more burdens. Thank God when we feel we will give out, give up, or give in, He’s got big shoulders. The Christian life isn’t just hard, it’s impossible, but not for Him. · Hebron = fullness or fellowship. Hebron was known for lush pastures, truly flowing w/ milk and honey. This is Christ our satisfaction. Some think getting saved is the end to their fun, but it’s the most fun I’ve ever had! “I can’t get no satisfaction” is not only bad grammar it’s bad living. · Bezer = strong hold or fortification. Christ our security. I’m glad salvation isn’t me holding out but God holding on! Jn. 10:28-29 says we are held in God’s hands. · Ramoth = exalted. Christ my sovereign. He’s always in control. Working a higher plan on an exalted level. If I’m in control of my own life, I’m out of control. I must run to Ramoth! · Golan = separated. Christ my sanctification. He’s the one that gives me a distinction from the world, making a difference. I’m a new creation, created to be separate from the world. Don’t look to anyone other than the Lord for your sanctification. Don’t look to me or anyone else. We’re all growing in grace together. People will let you down, but God won’t.
The purpose and prophecy of these cities...
3. The Proximity. The map shows they are spread out. No matter where you are, there is a refuge close by. And salvation is always close by...only a prayer away. And help for the Christian is not far off. God isn’t hiding from you. He doesn’t play keep away from us. If you wanted someone to find their way home would you make your directions complicated or easy? Salvation isn’t hard. God did the hard part.
We can run to the Rock, and find shelter in our Fortress, under the shadow of His wings. He’s not too far away!
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