Your Refuge From The Avenger of Blood

Your Refuge From The Avenger of Blood | Devotional

It is said that in the land of Canaan the cities of refuge were so arranged that anyone could reach one of them within half a day at the most. In the same way, the Word of our salvation is near to us.

Jesus is a present Savior, and the way to Him is short. It is but a simple renunciation of our own merit and a laying hold of Jesus to be our all in all.

With regard to the roads to the city of refuge, we are told that they were strictly maintained; every river was bridged and every obstruction removed so that the one who fled would find an easy pathway to the city.

Once a year the elders went along the roads and saw to their upkeep so that nothing might hinder the flight of anyone, and cause him, through delay, to be overtaken and slain.

In the same way, how graciously do the promises of the gospel remove stumbling blocks from the way!

Wherever there were byways and turnings, signposts were set up with the inscription, “To the city of refuge!” This is a picture of the road to Christ Jesus.

It is not an indirect road of the law; rather, it is a straight road: “Believe and live!” It is a road so difficult that no self-righteous person can ever travel it, but so easy that every sinner who knows himself to be a sinner can find his way to heaven on this road.

No sooner did the manslayer reach the outskirts of the city than he was safe! It was not necessary for him to pass far within the walls, but the suburbs themselves were sufficient protection.

Learn from this that if you can only touch the hem of Christ’s garment, you will be made whole (Matthew 9:21). If you only lay hold upon Him with faith the size of a mustard seed (Luke 17:6), you are safe.

A little genuine grace ensures the forgiveness of all our sins. Only waste no time; do not linger along the way, for the avenger of blood is swift of foot. He may be at your heels at this very evening hour!