Joshua 20

“These are the cities appointed for all the Israelites and foreigners among them, so that anyone who kills a person unintentionally may flee there and not die at the hand of the avenger of blood until he stands before the assembly.” Joshua 20:9 (HCSB)

It is good to know that Satan is not our judge. He could never be fit to judge us because his only motive is to pervert justice. Yet, the Devil would love for us to believe that our cases have already been decided and we are simply awaiting God’s eternal punishment.

Good news: Our trial is not over. In fact, it hasn’t even begun.

“And just as it is appointed for people to die once – and after this, judgment.” Hebrews 9:27 (HCSB)

Good news: We have an advocate (defense attorney) in Jesus.

“For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man, Christ Jesus, who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.” 1 Timothy 2:5 (NKJV)

Not only is Jesus our advocate, but His salvation is our refuge. Let’s look at the names of these cities of refuge listed in Joshua 20. Through these cities’ names, the Lord is painting a picture of Messiah.

Kadesh signifies “Holy,” and our refuge is Jesus’ holiness. Shechem means “A shoulder;” the government is upon His shoulder. Hebron is “Fellowship,” and believers are called into the fellowship of Messiah, our Lord. Bezer means “Fortification,” and Jesus is a stronghold to all who trust Him. Golan is “Joy and exultation,” for in Him, all believers are justified and will worship Him with great joy!

Many of us know the verse John 3:16. But do we know the verse that follows it?

“For God did not send His Son into the World that He might condemn the World; but that the World through Him might be saved.” John 3:17 (NKJV)

Have you received the refuge that Jesus freely offers? There will be a day of judgment, and a righteous Judge (the Lord God) will preside. Knowing this day is coming, how could we reject our only source of salvation? (Hebrews 2:3)