I have hidden Thy word in my heart.
(Picture by Lisa R)

Joshua 20. “Then the Lord said to Joshua: ‘Tell the Israelites to designate the cities of refuge, as I instructed you through Moses, so that anyone who kills a person accidentally and unintentionally may flee there and find protection from the avenger of blood. When they flee to one of these cities, they are to stand in the entrance of the city gate and state their case before the elders of that city. Then the elders are to admit the fugitive into their city and provide a place to live among them. If the avenger of blood comes in pursuit, the elders must not surrender the fugitive, because the fugitive killed their neighbor unintentionally and without malice aforethought. They are to stay in that city until they have stood trial before the assembly and until the death of the high priest who is serving at that time. Then they may go back to their own home in the town from which they fled'” (verses 1-6). We all need a refuge, a place of safety we can run to when we make mistakes, when we fall short of the goal. God provided such a place for Israel. In biblical times the motto was: An eye for an eye. A tooth for a tooth. There was no grace, no mercy, and definitely no innocent till proven guilty. Laws are different now. But grace still only comes from God. Today instead of fortified cities, Jesus is our refuge. We can run to Him in our times of need and He will provide rest, comfort, and safety.  In need of refuge? Cry out to God, He has provided it in His Son.