With the recent disaster in Mozambique comes the all too familiar problem, of refugees, people who during a crisis seek for refuge. Wars and conflicts and tragedies have produced millions of refugees.

According to the UN high commissioner for refugees, at one time,

The world’s population of refugees stood at 6.2 million people with some 2.6 million also classed as displaced persons.

People in many parts of the world are seeking for a refuge, a safe place to dwell.

In the New Testament we discover that Christ is our refuge.

Hebrews 6:18 That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:

Where or to whom did we flee? To Christ, he is our refuge.

What a refuge we have:

With this in mind when we come to this passage in the book of Joshua, we are reminded of the refuge that we have in Christ, or the refuge that is available to you.

I want to look at this chapter under three simple headings

The first hint at cities of refuge is found in the book of Exodus.

God had made it clear that anyone guilty of murder should die, capital punishment was, and I believe still is, God’s way for dealing with murderers.

After the giving of the law we read this in Exodus.

Exodus 21:12-13 He that smiteth a man, so that he die, shall be surely put to death. [13] And if a man lie not in wait, but God deliver him into his hand; then I will appoint thee a place whither he shall flee.

If a man killed someone, as premeditated murder, he was to be put to death, but if it were an accident, in other words manslaughter, a place of refuge would be provided.

God give Moses instruction for entering the land in Numbers.

There was to be six cities of refuge for the manslayer, that is the man whom killed someone accidentally, not premeditated.

If a relative was killed, you could take revenge and kill the one who slew your family member, but if it was an accident, he could flee to one of these cities, the magistrate and people would hear the case and if innocent then he would be allowed to live within the city.

He would remain there until the death of the high priest, then he was free to go.

We read again of these cities in Deut. Chapters 4& 19.

So when they entered the Promised Land, Joshua in obedience to the word of God, appointed these cities.

Six cities of refuge, for the manslayer to flee from the avenger, that he might be safe, outside the city he would die, inside he would find refuge and safety.

This briefly is the historical reason for the cities of refuge.

As we have already said, Christ is our refuge and these cities speak of the refuge that is available in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Six cities, the number six in scripture is man’s number, one short of seven perfection, we need one, the Lord Jesus Christ. Man was created on the sixth day, and these cites speak of Christ as being the only refuge for mankind.

These cities were for Jew and Gentile, Christ’s salvation is for all men.

These cities were not man’s idea; it was God’s plan, just like Salvation.

Before they were needed, God provided a place of refuge.

Rev. 13:8 And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.

This is God’s appointed way, Christ is the only way for salvation, can’t you see the rich typical teaching found in these cities?

Man’s need fully met, it was God’s plan, they reveal the mercy of God.

Surely when we consider Christ, our refuge, it reminds us of the mercy of our God.

We deserved to die; we deserved to be punished, but praise God for his great mercy.

Consider the availability and approachability of these cities.

Six cities in total, three west of the Jordan, three on the East, no flood could stop one reaching a city of refuge.

They were strategically placed through the land.

No one was any further that thirty miles from a city of refuge.

Only a step to Jesus. Then why not take it now?

Can’t you see the approachability, accessibility and availability of these cites? Reminding us that sinners are without excuse.

Not only that but the way to these cites was clearly marked.

Can you see Christ in these cities? Can’t you see the simple plan of God’s salvation?

Who would flee to these cities?

Those who knew that they were guilty, dear lost soul, do you realise your are guilty of the death of someone?

1 Cor. 2:8 Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

You are guilty of the death of Christ, but there is hope for you, there is a refuge, this is why Jesus prayed.

If you never realise your guilt, you will never flee to the place of safety, the arms of Jesus Christ.

These cities typically speak to us of the refuge that is available in Christ, within reach of everyman, but do you realise you need this refuge?

Do you recognise your are a guilty sinner?

Perhaps you do but you are delaying, consider the story of a man called Abner.

Abner killed a man called Asahel, He did not want to kill him, or intend to kill him.

Joab, the victim’s brother met Abner at the very gate of a city of refuge.

What did David say of Abner?

2 Samuel 3:33

And the king lamented over Abner, and said, Died Abner as a fool dieth?

A man within reach of a city of refuge, delayed and he was destroyed.

Don’t delay; seek refuge in Christ today.

I finally want to consider the significance of this chapter practically.

As we look at the names of these six cities, we find significance in the meaning of the names.

Joshua 20:7 And they appointed Kedesh in Galilee in mount Naphtali, and Shechem in mount Ephraim, and Kirjath-arba, which is Hebron, in the mountain of Judah.

It means holy; this is where we stand when we take our refuge with Christ.

Perhaps as a child of God, you have sinned this week, something in our life and the old devil has convinced you that you’re finished, a fake, look to your refuge.

What do we find from our refuge?

There is cleansing with Christ our refuge.

Jesus Christ the righteous, |He is our refuge.

Joshua 20:7 And they appointed Kedesh in Galilee in mount Naphtali, and Shechem in mount Ephraim, and Kirjath-arba, which is Hebron, in the mountain of Judah.

Shechem means shoulder.

This reminds us that we not only find cleansing but comfort.

When we consider his shoulder.

Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

The Government of the whole world rests upon his shoulder, but consider the lost sheep.

Luke 15:5 And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing.

One shoulder to rule the world, two shoulders for us to lean on.

Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there.

Is there some sad, lonely sheep reading this?

Let him set you upon his shoulders and carry you, he is willing to aid you, he will carry you through.

Joshua 20:7 And they appointed Kedesh in Galilee in mount Naphtali, and Shechem in mount Ephraim, and Kirjath-arba, which is Hebron, in the mountain of Judah.

Hebron means communion, fellowship.

Let me share something wonderful about the prodigal son story.

In Old Testament times the law was as follows:

Deut. 21:18-21 If a man have a stubborn and rebellious son, which will not obey the voice of his father, or the voice of his mother, and that, when they have chastened him, will not hearken unto them: [19] Then shall his father and his mother lay hold on him, and bring him out unto the elders of his city, and unto the gate of his place; [20] And they shall say unto the elders of his city, This our son is stubborn and rebellious, he will not obey our voice; he is a glutton, and a drunkard. [21] And all the men of his city shall stone him with stones, that he die: so shalt thou put evil away from among you; and all Israel shall hear, and fear.

Luke 15:20 And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.

He ran and hugged him, no one would stone him for if they did, they would hit the father.

Oh dear saint of God, perhaps some Christians would want to stone you and say, "you’re finished." but the father wants to put his arms around you. He will take the abuse, he will absorb the attacks, and he just wants you back home.

Joshua 20:8 And on the other side Jordan by Jericho eastward, they assigned Bezer in the wilderness upon the plain out of the tribe of Reuben, and Ramoth in Gilead out of the tribe of Gad, and Golan in Bashan out of the tribe of Manasseh.

Bezer means strong hold.

We have power with our Lord.

Joshua 20:8 And on the other side Jordan by Jericho eastward, they assigned Bezer in the wilderness upon the plain out of the tribe of Reuben, and Ramoth in Gilead out of the tribe of Gad, and Golan in Bashan out of the tribe of Manasseh.

Ramoth means exalted.

What did Paul say?

We are seated in heavenly places.

Perhaps people look down upon us, with Christ as our refuge we are exalted to a wonderful level.

What did Hannah sing?

He has lifted us from the pit of shame, and added us to the hall of fame.

Our names are written in glory.

Joshua 20:8 And on the other side Jordan by Jericho eastward, they assigned Bezer in the wilderness upon the plain out of the tribe of Reuben, and Ramoth in Gilead out of the tribe of Gad, and Golan in Bashan out of the tribe of Manasseh.

Golan means rejoicing, joy.

Joy is part of the fruit of the Spirit.

Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

In between love and peace. If there is no love in our hearts, we will not have joy and will know no real peace.

No matter what the circumstances, God’s people can experience real joy because Christ is our refuge.

Habakkuk 3:17-18 Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: [18] Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.

Just to recap on what it means for us to have Christ as our refuge.