DCLM Daily Manna, Tuesday March 29, 2016 by Pastor Kumuyi - City Of Refuge

Topic: City Of Refuge [Tuesday March 29, 2016]

Text: Deuteronomy 4:41-49

Key Verse: "Then Moses severed three cities on this side Jordan toward the sunrising; That the slayer might flee thither, which should kill his neighbour unawares, and hated him not in times past; and that fleeing unto one of these cities he might live" (Deuteronomy 4:41, 42).

Shortly after Charles Wesley's conversion in 1738, he sat in his study one summer day. A little bird, pursued by a hawk, flew in through the open window and sought refuge in his bosom, where the baffled hawk dare not follow.

This incident led to the writing of the familiar hymn, ‘Jesus, Lover of my soul'. Part of the lyrics reads: "other refuge have I not; hangs my helpless soul on thee". From our text, Moses appointed Bezer in the wilderness from the tribe of Reuben, Ramoth in Gilead and Golan in Bashan, of the tribe of Manasseh as cities of refuge. These cities were appointed on this side Jordan in the territories taken from Sihon, king of the Amorites and Og, king of Bashan after the Lord helped the Israelites to defeat them in battle. The cities of refuge were meant for the safety of those who accidentally kill their neighbours without any prior motive, from the avenger of blood who might want to take revenge on them. It is important to point out that the cities of refuge were by no means intended as a refuge for murderers and killers. In fact, the Lord directed that neither the cities of refuge nor His altar should be used to harbour criminals and sinners.

That is why Joab did not find security at the altar when he fled there after his unprovoked murder of his neighbours. Christ is our Refuge today. Run into Him and find salvation, security and protection for your soul. To do otherwise is to remove the shield which our abiding in Him provides.

Thought for the day: In Christ only is our security guaranteed.

Bible Reading in one Year: Deuteronomy 31-34

DCLM Daily Manna was written by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi; is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria.