My Birthday Devotional

“Six of the towns you give the Levites will be cities of refuge, to which a person who has killed someone may flee. In addition, give them forty-two other towns."

Numbers 35:6

God’s commitment to justice is also reflected in the demarcation of six ‘cities of refuge’ for anyone accused of murder (vs 6,11).3 Justice not only demands that wrongdoers be punished (v 31), it also requires preventing miscarriages of justice and guarding against vigilante justice. Several principles emerge. First, the presumption of innocence until guilt is proven (v 12). Second, access to justice, ensured by the strategic location of the cities, three on each side of the Jordan (v 14). Third, no discrimination between Israelites and foreigners (v 15). Fourth, in determining punishment, the intentions underlying the actions must be considered; hence murder is dealt with far more severely (vs 16–21) than manslaughter (vs 22–25). Finally, due process is important: the entitlement to trial before a properly constituted tribunal and the rules about admissible testimony (vs 12,24,25,30).

The God who prepared the cities of refuge is the God of mercy. This God sent Jesus as our eternal refuge. When we enter into Jesus who sacrificed for us on the cross, we receive the forgiveness of sins and enjoy the blessing of eternal life from the sins of eternal punishment.

CLOSING PRAYER: My sin deserved your judgment, God. I am eternally grateful for the gift of your Son who took the punishment that I deserved. Thank you, that because of Jesus, I can come to you for fellowship today.