adminworshipping Him as well as managing His earthly creations. From the beginning it was God’s desire to help man in all areas of life — the day man declared his independence from God — death arrived.
Even when man sinned, God expects man to repent and there are moments when God reasoned with his people.
Though your sins are like scarlet they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be like wool (Isaiah 1 v 18). The desire of God is that He would win every soul. There is no sinner whom the Lord is not willing to forgive and receive. He even causes His rains to fall in the fields of the wicked, not because He is supporting their wickedness, but by extending His love towards them.
He will be calling them to repent. There is not even a single person whose sins the Lord cannot forgive. No matter how much a person have gone into sin and rebellion against the Lord, the patience of God is still waiting for such.
In the Old Testament, in the book of Numbers 35 v 11, God commanded Moses and the children of Israel to select places to be cities of refuge, that the slayer who kills any person unintentionally and unawares may flee there.
It was a place were one would seek refuge from the avenger of blood. Joshua was also reminded to spare these cities after the passing on of his boss Moses. The purpose of these cities was to protect someone in the case of manslaughter as opposed to murder.
God has been merciful from generation to generation, even this day the hands of God are open wide and outstretched to receive those that can turn to Him for refuge.
God had a passion to make sure that murderers were punished in ancient Israel and in that culture, the final responsibility for justice rested with the designated goal (avenger of blood) in the family.
The cities of refuge were created to protect innocent people. In the city of refuge there was a priest of God to ensure that all the priestly duties were carried out to ensure the safety of the asylum seekers within the walls. God hated murders with perfect hatred, but He wanted justice to prevail.
In one of his classical sermons, a popular prophet likened today’s churches to these cities of refuge. People from all walks of life despite their colour, race or tribe are welcome to the general assembly of the church of God. The love of God is being chained out on a daily basis that He may reach out to the dying world. He also likened the city of refuge to a crystal clear picture of Jesus.
Psalm 46 v 1 says God is our refuge and strength, there to help us in times of trouble. More than 15 times in the book of Psalms is Jehovah God presented to us as our refuge. In the book of Matthew 11 v 28, Jesus said, “Come to Me, all who labour and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will give you rest”. Christ is our city of refuge.
Both Jesus and the cities of refuge are within easy reach of the needy person, they were of no use unless someone could get to the place of refuge. Both Jesus and the cities of refuge are open to all, not just the Israelites, no one needs to fear that they would be turned away from their place of refuge in their time of need.
Both Jesus and the cities of refuge became the place where one in need would live; you did not come to the city of refuge just to look around. Both Jesus and the cities of refuge are the only alternative for the one in need, without this specific protection, they will be destroyed.
Both Jesus and the cities of refuge provide protection only within their walls, to go outside means death! With both Jesus and the cities of refuge, freedom comes with the death of the High Priest.
In the cities of refuge only the innocent are helped, but in Jesus Christ both the innocent and the guilty can find help.
People with issues, prostitutes, drunkards, thieves and doers of all kinds of evil are coming in to find refuge. Retired and tired people from all walks of life are welcome into the city of refuge.
Pastor Takura Rukwati is a member of UFIC led by prophet Emmanuel Makandiwa.
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