“A City Of Refuge” by Kirk Hunt

These six cities shall be a refuge, both for the children of Israel, and for the stranger, and for the sojourner among them: that every one that killeth any person unawares may flee thither. (Numbers 35:15 KJV)

My imagination strains at the idea of an accidental killing in ancient Israel. Still, the 35^th chapter of Numbers speaks of nothing else. I'll never be able to look at a plow the same way.

We often think of the Mosaic Law as harsh and unyielding. The Law, as Moses first wrote it down, could be lived. The Law even made allowances for the imperfect men and women who tried to live up to its higher standard.

The cities of refuge are the ultimate expression of mercy and forbearance under the Law. The law of Moses made provision for mistakes. There's a way to forgiveness and restoration, even for fatal errors.

The time for hard and harsh is probably past. Yes, it happened, but that's not the whole story. No amount of vindictiveness now can undo what happened then.

Under the grace and mercy brought by Jesus, it should be that much easier. Forgive that soul, then forget about the event. Jesus would show mercy.

Maybe it is time to offer refuge to the offender. Continuing the punishment is just a cruelty. If not for them, then definitely for you.

Walk across the room, or pick up the phone, or face the mirror. Become a modern-day city of refuge. Be serious about plow safety.

Think: The ability to show mercy is a strength, not a weakness.

Pray: “Lord, help me to live in and through Your grace.”

Copyright © October 2007, Kirk Hunt