Then Moses set apart three cities in the east beyond the Jordan, that the manslayer might flee there, anyone who kills his neighbor unintentionally, without being at enmity with him in time past; he may flee to one of these cities and save his life: (Deuteronomy 4:41,42 ESV)
Refuge
Did you play the children’s game, “tag?” There were many variations, including frozen tag, chain tag, and some forms of team tag.
But the tag I most enjoyed playing involved places of safety. A particular tree, or chair, or spot of grass, wherein “It” was not allowed to tag me.
I liked that spot because I was slow, clumsy, asthmatic, and bored with tag. But at the base, I could sit and watch without fear.
My inability to play tag well caused me to feel that I needed a refuge.
When the laws regulating Hebrew society were given to Moses, they included a refuge, too.
A place where a murderer, perhaps in strange circumstances, could find safety for a time.
It is disputed how eagerly the cities of refuge took part in their assigned role. It is unknown how often the guilty, or nearly guilty, or simply fearful accused took advantage of the refuge offered. It is not clear how exactly the refuge cities worked, practically speaking.
But none of that bothers me.
Because the purpose of the Cities of Refuge was not to avoid justice, or provide an escape from a vindictive relative, or even to be ‘nice.’
The purpose was to shine a light on the Messiah.
Jesus is my city of refuge. I am guilty, you see. Perhaps not of technical murder… but my disobedience is worthy of death before my Holy God.
But God provided, instead of a City… a Messiah. A person of refuge, if you will.
I run to Him… cling to Him… depend on Him… and humbly and fearfully wait with Him.
We humans who sin need refuge.
And thus, the Messiah!