THE CITIES

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Prof. M.Y. Yohannan

Publisher

Phileo Books Kolenchery - 682 311

THE CITIES

OF

REFUGE

Prof. M.Y. Yohannan

Former Principal St. Peters College, Kolenchery

Mechankara, Kadayirippu P.O., Kolenchery - 682311, Kerala, India Phone : [0484] 2689489, 2689889 E-mail: profmyyohannan@crfgospel.org Website:www.crfgospel.org

Publisher : Phileo Books, Kolenchery - 682 311

Translated by Dr. Gilu George York, UK.

Cover Design by Swaminathan Computer Park

Printed at Bethesda Printers Pvt. Ltd. Edappally, Kochi - 682 024 Ph : 0484-2534435

All rights reserved with the publisher

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

I was no prophet, neither was I a prophets son, But I was an herdsman, and a gatherer of sycamore fruit. And the Lord took me as I followed the flock, And the Lord said to me, Go, prophesy unto my people Israel - Amos 7 : 14, 15 Prof. M. Y. Yohannan was born in a middle class agricultural family in Kadayiruppu, Kolenchery, Kerala. Three of his brothers died before his birth. He lost his father at the infant age of one and his surviving brother when he was two years old. He could not continue his education after passing out from the tenth standard as he was forced to take up the responsibility of managing his family affairs and working in the farm desolate and desperate. This young man with a shattered life accepted Jesus Christ as his Saviour and Lord at the age of seventeen while attending a Gospel meeting at his local church. Prof. Yohannan started his career as a teacher in the Rajarshi Memorial High School, Vadavucode where he had studied. During his nine - year tenure in the school, he took his graduation and post graduation, as a private student, in arts with first ranks from the Kerala University. Later, he took B. Ed. Degree also with University Rank. In 1964, he joined St.Peters College and continued there for the next thirty three years. He was appointed Principal of the same college in 1995 and retired after two years.

Even as a young teacher, he was an active member of the Voluntary Missionary Society in Kerala. Many well reputed and respected clergy as well as laymen sincerely participated in the activities of the Voluntary Missionary Society, which in Malayalam, was known as Swamedhaya Suvisesha Sangham. As a result of its earnest efforts on evangelisation, a large number of people got revived in the Jacobite / Orthodox and other churches. In 1973, a great spiritual revival swept over Kerala. Prof. Yohannan was in the forefront of this movement. The revival was based on the following divine words : If My people who are called by My Name will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from Heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 2 Chornicles 7:14 Blessed are the pure in heart for they will see God. Mathew 5 : 8 Without holiness, no one will see the Lord. Hebrews 12 :14 When a man gets the born again experience, his deeds and words are changed. But the transformation of the innerman, thoughts, attitudes, the old nature, etc. is the genuine sign of a true Christian. Prof. Yohannan preached the Gospel throughout Kerala

and many big cities in India. Later, he visited the United States of America several times in connection with the Lords service. He also visited U.K., Ireland, Austria, Switzerland, Kuwait, Bahrain, Australia, New Zealand and many of the Gulf countries in the Middle East and addressed several conventions. In 1997, Prof. Yohannan commenced the Amruthadhara Radio Ministry.These programmes helped to preach the Gospel to the unreached and remote areas and segments of people, in prisons, armed force, barracks, hostels etc. Prof. Yohannan utilized the facilities of Television, one of the most influential media today, to preach the Gospel. In 2000, the Amruthadhara TV Programme was started. Presently the thirty-minute programmes are telecast at 6:30 am on Surya TV(every Saturday), on Jeevan TV(every Sunday) and on Jaihind TV(every Monday and Tuesday). As requested by his ever- increasing listeners and dear friends, Prof. Yohannan has published his various messages, studies and devotions in book form. So far , he has published sixty nine books. Most of them are out-ofprint within a short period. Few more books are getting ready for release. Prof. Yohannan is fully engaged in the activities of the CRF by addressing massive Gospel meetings, Bible classes, prayer meetings, counselling sessions, etc. He strongly believes that the need of the hour is the repentance of the repented.

He advocates : It is the soul that needs change, not the religion, Its the inner - man (heart) that needs change, not the community or denomination. Prof. Yohannan gets whole - hearted support from his wife, Alice, a retired teacher, in his Lords service. They have three sons and a daughter, all married. The family is blessed with nine grandchildren.

PREFACE
This is an age where Christian writers who are truly filled with the Holy Spirit are diminishing; a generation where writers who uphold Jesus Christ as the central and defining figure in the spiritual life with a firm footing in the Bible are declining. During such a period, Prof M.Y.Yohannan Sir considers writing spiritual books a God given mission; a heavenly assignment; a calling which he continues to pursue through his books. The Cities of Refuge is his 70th book. There is an adage in English - Excellence is never an accident. It is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, intelligent direction and skilful execution. Every single chapter in this book reflects the excellence derived from deep thoughts, broad reading, constant and steadfast study of the Holy Bible and the tireless perseverance of Yohannan sir. He delves into the depths of the Word of God, whilst waiting patiently for flow of thoughts inspired by God and opening his heart to be enlightened by the Holy Spirit. The concepts, insights and viewpoints which overflow continuously and uninterruptedly as words in this book are inspired by the Spirit of God. One thing becomes very evident to a reader who carefully goes through Sirs books. The mighty name of God alone must be glorified; everyone should know Jesus Christ as the saviour of sinners; all should attain the likeness of Jesus and reach heaven which is designated for the holy alone. This is the sole aim, the only aspiration filling his heart: If at

all the spiritual vitality profusely filling the pages of this book overflowed into the lifeless hearts of men! If at all every one fled to the City of Refuge! If at all refuge was found at the foot of the cross of Jesus Christ! The author has conducted a meditative study of Cities of Refuge mentioned in the Old Testament in the light of the New Testament. Any reader with an open heart can hear the voice of God in every line; can experience the serenity, safety, security, sanctity, strength, fellowship and perfection of happiness offered by the City of Refuge. It is the very spirit filled words that came through Yohannan Sir, which eventually led me to Jesus Christ, the City of Refuge. My life, during the good days of my youth was parched and scorched. A demon of fear haunted me persistently. I was in constant fear of everything. Terrifying memories and horrifying scenes continually disturbed and tormented me. As a result, I was despondent, engulfed with fear and depression and had no refuge. Those were the days when I even thought of ending my life. Just as we see in the story of the masters son and the servant boy in chapter five of this book, Satan had intimidated me and accused me outside the city of refuge. The Holy Spirit who spoke through the Apostles and Saints, dealt with me through Yohannan Sir. The powerful Word of God enacted by the Holy Spirit destroyed the mighty forts of the enemy. Tall barriers of unbelief were brought down to pieces. He brought me to the safe abode and loving refuge in the cleaved heart of Jesus Christ. I found refuge

and shelter there. I found forgiveness of sins there and he made me dwell there fearlessly. I hope and pray that God, strengthen Sir, to continue to its fullness, the divine ministry of showing the unhindered path to the City of Refuge, opened for the salvation of sinners. May God grant him good health and a long life.. Muvattupuzha Dr Reji Mathew Chanthiam

FOREWORD
Jonathan Swift once wrote this memorable line; The best doctors in the world are Doctor Diet, Doctor Quiet and Doctor Merry man. According to him, overall satisfaction and happiness in life is influenced by all of the above three factors. Jonathan Swifts Gullivers Travels is one of the greatest works of English literature. In this brilliant and insightful tale, he bestows upon the readers an insight into human behaviour, through his sense of humour and thoughtful, witty and wise narration. The above opinion of Jonathan Swift who wrote this legendary satire on human nature is quite touching. We all need peace; we all need a contented and happy life, a peaceful and tranquil life! Peace in this life and the life beyond! Serenity and harmony in this worldly life and heavenly joy and eternal peace in the afterlife! Arent we all striving for that? Do we not exert ourselves and toil tirelessly to achieve this? Dont we indeed try to find the true meaning of life in that? Every single book of mine is a humble effort, a step forward in the journey seeking the origins of that eternal peace. Most blessed were the moments of my life - the time spent during this endeavour, when I experienced the most affectionate and fond caressing of the most sovereign and invincible Christ. The enchanting experience of the

compassionate and loving touch with the wounded and pierced hands of Jesus! These sweet emotions were amalgamating and melding my mind while I was voyaging through the meditative thoughts of the Cities of Refuge. I am experiencing that unfathomable rapture and sublime solace which are encircling me, even when I am writing this. Dr Reji Mathew, who wrote a fine preface for this book is the youngest son of the senior most priest of Kandanad Bhadrasanam, the Late Very Rev Fr Chanthiam. I am deeply indebted to the warm cordiality and goodwill of Dr Reji who has made his mark as an accomplished doctor, a sweet singer and a competent archetype of spiritual life. I am very happy to express my sincere regards and deep gratitude to Dr.Gilu George, M Sc. Ph.D to undertake the hazardous work in translating my book Sanketha Nagarangal in Malayalam to The Cities of Refuge in English. Her dear husband Mr.Joe Augustine who is an engineer in York University, U.K. has taken the tiresome work to assist Gilu in the translation of the book. I am indebted to the parents of Gilu, especially her father Prof. T. George Sebastain, Formerly Head of the Department of English, K.E. College Mannanam and currently Principal, Ettumanoorappan College, Ettumanoor who rendered a tremendous service to go through the whole book and give adequate corrections and suggestions. May God Almighty shower His abundant blessings on him and

lead him to the heights of reputation and service to mankind. I am also expressing my sincere gratitude to my spiritual friends who strenuously and tirelessly worked for the proof reading, cover designing, printing and related works in bringing this book to light. I have no doubt that this book will also be received by everyone with the same enthusiasm and eagerness with which all my previous sixty nine books were welcomed and appreciated. I truly wish and pray that this book will be of assistance for the salvation of souls, sanctification of life and eternal life for many people. Your own, Prof. M.Y. Yohannan

NB: All quotes from the Bible are from the New International Version (NIV), except where specified.

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Chapter 1
I said, Oh, that I had the wings of a dove! I would fly away and be at rest. I would flee far away and stay in the desert; I would hurry to my place of shelter, far from the tempest and storm. Psalms 55: 6-8 In this mournful hymn, King David expresses his deep anguish. David is deeply distressed and is encountered by a great deal of suffering. All around him he faces terror and hatred. He is overwhelmed by the hostility of his foes and opposition from the wicked. He is under constant threat from his adversaries, weighed down by unreasonable accusations, betrayal and intolerable attacks from enemies. He goes through a phase of intense terror and trembling, apprehension and fear of death. David, the sweet Psalmist of Israel now looks around lamenting and in his sorrow, he sighs and weeps bitterly. The emotional distress and the horror that he is facing are echoed in his words in Psalm 55: 6-8. David desires to flee from this scene of strife. His soul is so anguished that he wishes to escape swiftly from the situation to a shelter far away from the brewing storm and tempest.
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If an enemy were insulting me, I could endure it; if a foe were raising himself against me, I could hide from him. But it is you, a man like myself, my companion, my close friend, with whom I once enjoyed sweet fellowship as we walked with the throng at the house of God. Psalms 55: 12-14 Here David depicts the reason why he is so disturbed to the depths of his soul. He is devastated by not a stranger, but his closest friend with whom he had shared many good times had betrayed him. The one whom he considered a close friend opposed him and joined forces with the evildoers. Often the bitterest and unbearable treachery comes from people whom we treat and trust confidently. Although we treat them as real friends and confide in them, all we get back are reproach, faithlessness, deceit and damage. We become afflicted and attacked by the words and deeds of close friends and most trusted ones. David faced deceit and treachery from someone who was well acquainted with him and who was a trusted friend. In his inner despair he wanted to find strength in solitude and desired to escape to a safe shelter. Dear child of God, does such atrocities reflecting on your life make you think that you are in a similar situation? Have you been thinking if you could escape from this turbulent house of yours? You started your married life with hopes of
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bliss and joy. But now do you regret the decision to get married? Are you harbouring thoughts of escaping from the sorrows and problems of life to a distant place of peace? We all have an inner desire to escape and retreat to a haven of peace, safety and security. We have an inner urge to escape from the problems around us to a sanctuary of peace and shelter. King David once sang these words, The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation. He is my stronghold, my refuge and my saviour - from violent people you save me. 2 Samuel 22: 2-3 The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Psalms 9:9 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Psalms 46:1 In all these verses David pointed out that he found comfort and solace by relying on God and seeking refuge in Him. Only a complete dependence on God can sustain you and get you through the trials, tribulations, oppositions and confrontations in the day to day life.
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Moses was such a person who found refuge in God and he proclaimed so, The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms. Deuteronomy 33:27 God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be greatly encouraged. Hebrews 6:18 We are fleeing for refuge to His abode to lay hold of the hope set before us. At times when every single door closes before us, when we feel utterly hopeless and broken, if we seek Him, ever-loving God renews our hope and we find comfort and solace. My most esteemed friend, when you are sinking with despair among your problems, have you fled to Jesus pleading for his deliverance? Have you constantly sought Him and appealed to Him through prayers at his feet? Have you experienced the deliverance, peace and calm he gives? The former Indian president Dr. S. Radhakrishnan once said to Dr E.C. Dewick, who had been a missionary teacher in India for many years, You know, most of your Christians seem to us to be very ordinary people making very extraordinary claims. To this Dr Dewick, an ardent Christian missionary replied: Our claims are not for our sake; but in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
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There are countless people who imagine that the exclusive claims made by Christians are un-realistic and false when they hear that God, the only source of hope, can fill one completely with joy and peace. Many dont believe that when we trust in Him we get inner peace, healing and consolation in hopeless situations. But for those who have experienced his deliverance, they personally praise God with ever grateful hearts and they proclaim beyond doubt that True Christians are ordinary people with extra-ordinary experiences. In the days of Old Testament God had prepared Cities of Refuge for unintentional murderers to escape from punishment. God had mentioned about designating Cities of Refuge through Moses, who was appointed to lead his people from Egypt to Canaan. Anyone who strikes a person with a fatal blow is to be put to death. However, if it is not done intentionally, but God lets it happen, they are to flee to a place I will designate. But if anyone schemes and kills someone deliberately, that person is to be taken from my altar and put to death. Exodus 21: 12-14 In the case of deliberate murder, there is no mercy; the man must be put to death. However, it is evident from verse 13 that if it is done unintentionally by mistake, God makes a provision through places of refuge. Thus when a person had been inadvertently killed, extreme measures were not to be taken against the one who did it. Instead, there were
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sanctuaries provided for the innocent, to which they could flee and find shelter. Thus cities of refuge were appointed by God to exercise mercy. Let us have a look in the Book of Numbers, chapter 35: verses 9-28. Then the LORD said to Moses: Speak to the Israelites and say to them: When you cross the Jordan into Canaan, select some towns to be your cities of refuge, to which a person who has killed someone accidentally may flee. They will be places of refuge from the avenger, so that a person accused of murder may not die before he stands trial before the assembly. These six towns you give will be your cities of refuge. Give three on this side of the Jordan and three in Canaan as cities of refuge. These six towns will be a place of refuge for Israelites, aliens and any other people living among them, so that anyone who has killed another accidentally can flee there. If a man strikes someone with an iron object so that he dies, he is a murderer; the murderer shall be put to death. Or if anyone has a stone in his hand that could kill, and he strikes someone so that he dies, he is a murderer; the murderer shall be put to death. Or if anyone has a wooden object in his hand that could kill, and he hits someone so that he dies, he is a murderer; the murderer shall be put to death. The avenger of blood shall put the murderer to death; when he meets him, he shall put him to death. If anyone with malice aforethought shoves another or throws something at him intentionally so that he dies or if in hostility he hits him with his fist so that he dies, that person
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shall be put to death; he is a murderer. The avenger of blood shall put the murderer to death when he meets him. But if without hostility someone suddenly shoves another or throws something at him unintentionally or, without seeing him, drops a stone on him that could kill him, and he dies, then since he was not his enemy and he did not intend to harm him, the assembly must judge between him and the avenger of blood according to these regulations. The assembly must protect the one accused of murder from the avenger of blood and send him back to the city of refuge to which he fled. He must stay there until the death of the high priest, who was anointed with the holy oil. But if the accused ever goes outside the limits of the city of refuge to which he has fled and the avenger of blood finds him outside the city, the avenger of blood may kill the accused without being guilty of murder. The accused must stay in his city of refuge until the death of the high priest; only after the death of the high priest may he return to his own property. The Old Testament is a foreshadow of the New Testament. Theres an old saying: The Old Testament is the New Testament concealed and the New Testament is the Old Testament revealed. There is one person whose presence is unambiguously manifested in both the Old and the New Testaments. That person is Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is a refuge for sinners. He is a safe shelter for sinners and a hiding place for anyone who has accidentally transgressed. The Cities of Refuge remind us of Christ as our city of refuge. Jesus Christ is our eternal refuge to whom we could flee to escape from the wrath of the avenger of
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blood. Those Cities of Refuge portray how Christ shelters the sinner from death. When we turn to Him in desperation, seeking refuge, we experience the power of God who saves us.. So God has given both His promise and His oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to Him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. Hebrews 6:18 (NLT). Cities of Refuge portray how Christ shelters sinners from death. He is the true City of Refuge and He preserves all those who flee to Him for mercy. He comforts the desperate man who is fleeing, haunted by guilt and perils of life. Jesus alleviates the intolerable dread filling a hopeless man who is fleeing from the wrath. He is a shelter for those who are intimidated and perturbed by the revolting memories and happenings of the past. Numerous are people who have found comfort in the Holy Blood from the pierced heart of Jesus. Many have experienced the forgiveness and deliverance from sins by fleeing to Him! Countless number of hopeless people have regained their hope through Him! Let us have a look at a scene where a first born is in his sick bed. His body is weakened by his illness and he can barely walk. Around midnight he suddenly woke up calling out loud 20 THE CITIES
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Father. His father woke up at his call and hastened to his sick bed and asked Did you have any bad dreams, my son? The son replied in a tone of urgency No father, I did not have a dream, but could you please check if the blood of lamb is smeared on the sides and top of the doorframe of our house? To which the father replied, Of course my son, I had entrusted that job to our servant and he would have done it. However, the son insisted and pleaded with his father to go and check it out himself. He added Didnt God command through his prophet that the angel of death would kill the firstborns of every house where the lambs blood was not smeared on the door? Dont you know that only the blood of a lamb could save me, your firstborn from death? Father tried to assure his son that the servant must have done it and not to worry. In the end, since his son kept on insisting, the father decided to go and check it himself. The sick son mustered enough strength and followed his father to the door on weary feet. Alas to their horror they found out that there was no blood smeared on the door after all! Both of them were alarmed when they realised that what the son dreaded turned out to be true indeed! The father hurried as fast as he could to the barn, caught a lamb, killed it in haste, took the blood and smeared it on the sides and top of the door. They had hardly taken two
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steps back into their house before they heard wails of anguish from the neighbouring house. Who can describe the agony of people in those houses who lost their first born? Those houses where the blood mark was absent had their first born slayed. Alas, the avenger of blood was close behind! If the father had delayed a few more seconds, the assassinator would have killed his dear son as well. Dear friend, have you been redeemed by the Holy Blood of Jesus? Have you got the mark of the blood of the lamb on your chest? Have you got the symbol of the blemishless lamb on your forehead? My beloved brother, I beseech you - please dont delay or hesitate. Flee to the City of Refuge earnestly with all your might and find eternal safety and security. Enter the gates of grace swiftly before the door closes on you.

*****

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Chapter 2
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1 This psalm begins by describing God as a refuge and strength for us. God is an ever-present help for us in times of trouble. David described so because he could find refuge in God. Fortunate are those who find refuge in God! Cities of Refuge were set aside for the people of Israel. This could be viewed in Deuteronomy chapter four as seen below, Then Moses set aside three cities east of the Jordan, to which anyone who had killed a person could flee if he had unintentionally killed his neighbour without malice aforethought. He could flee into one of these cities and save his life. The cities were these: Bezer in the desert plateau, for the Reubenites; Ramoth in Gilead, for the Gadites; and Golan in Bashan, for the Manassites. Deuteronomy 4:41-43 We read in Deuteronomy chapter nineteen, verses one to thirteen as follows: When the Lord your God has destroyed the nations whose land he is giving you, and when you have driven them
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out and settled in their towns and houses, then set aside for yourselves three cities in the land the Lord your God is giving you to possess. Determine the distances involved and divide into three parts the land the Lord your God is giving you as an inheritance, so that a person who kills someone may flee for refuge to one of these cities. This is the rule concerning anyone who kills a person and flees there for safety-anyone who kills a neighbour unintentionally, without malice aforethought. For instance, a man may go into the forest with his neighbour to cut wood, and as he swings his axe to fell a tree, the head may fly off and hit his neighbour and kill him. That man may flee to one of these cities and save his life. Otherwise, the avenger of blood might pursue him in a rage, overtake him if the distance is too great, and kill him even though he is not deserving of death, since he did it to his neighbour without malice aforethought. This is why I command you to set aside for yourselves three cities. If the Lord your God enlarges your territory, as he promised on oath to your ancestors, and gives you the whole land he promised them, because you carefully follow all these laws I command you today - to love the Lord your God and to walk always in obedience to him - then you are to set aside three more cities. Do this so that innocent blood will not be shed in your land, which the Lord your God is giving you as your inheritance, and so that you will not be guilty of bloodshed. But if out of hate someone lies in wait, assaults and kills a neighbour, and then flees to one of these cities, the killer shall be sent for by the town elders, be
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brought back from the city, and be handed over to the avenger of blood to die. Show no pity. You must purge from Israel the guilt of shedding innocent blood, so that it may go well with you. Deuteronomy 19:1-13 The book of Joshua, chapter twenty, verses one to nine says: 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 neighbour 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. So they set apart Kedesh in Galilee in the hill country of Naphtali, Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim, and Kiriath Arba (that is, Hebron) in the hill country of Judah. East of the Jordan (on the other side from Jericho) they designated Bezer in the wilderness on the plateau in the tribe of Reuben, Ramoth in Gilead in the tribe of Gad, and Golan in Bashan
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in the tribe of Manasseh. Any of the Israelites or any foreigner residing among them who killed someone accidentally could flee to these designated cities and not be killed by the avenger of blood prior to standing trial before the assembly. Joshua 20:1-9 There were six Cities of Refuge, three east of the Jordan River as designated to Moses before the Israelites crossed the river into the Promised Land (Deuteronomy 4:41-43) and three west of the Jordan as later designated to Joshua (Joshua 20:1- 9). Two and a half of the tribes, namely the tribe of Gad, the tribe of Reuben, and the half tribe of Manasseh, had been assigned their place and portion on the eastern side of the Jordan (Num. 32:33). The rest of the tribes were on the other side of the Jordan. It is a historical fact that the Israelites started their journey from Egypt. They travelled through the Sinai desert under the leadership of Moses. Before entering the desert they had to cross the Red Sea. It should have taken the Israelites only eleven days to travel from Horeb by the way of Mount Seir to Kadesh-barnea. The Israelites should have reached the Promised Land in eleven days. But the Lord led them around in circles for forty years because of their stubbornness, disobedience, rebelliousness and unfaithfulness. Their incessant complaints and constant ungratefulness prevented the all-powerful Lord from taking
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them to the Promised Land. The Israelites were on the verge of the Promised Land, but they ended up wandering up and down the vicinity of this place, not being permitted to enter Canaan, as a result of their rebellions, bitter complaints and acts of outrageous disobedience. They moaned and rebelled against Moses and criticized him. They murmured against their leader and God, when their provisions of food were exhausted. They revolted against God and expressed their wish that they had died in Egypt remembering the plenteous food they had there. God gave them everything they wanted and they still complained about their hardships. The people grew impatient; they became irritable and spoke out against God and Moses. They ended up bringing judgement upon themselves, by kindling Lords anger just by their incessant complaints and sinful ways. Thus they had to wander in the wilderness for forty years. Finally, Moses went up Mount Nebo from the plains of Moab and climbed Pisgah Peak. And Moses, the servant of the LORD died there in Moab, as the LORD had said. Although Moses who led the people until then was no more, Gods faithful provision did not stop. After the death of Moses, the responsibility of leading the tribes of Israel into the land that was promised to their ancestors fell upon Joshua, the son of Nun. God directed Joshua to lead the Israelites to possess the Promised Land. Joshua picked up the great commission that God bestowed on him after the death of Moses and fulfilled his commission to completion. God was faithful to the Israelites and gave them Canaan, the land he promised to their ancestors.
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Now it came about that, Joshua divided the conquered land among the different tribes. Reuben, Gad, and the half tribe of Manasseh had already received their portion on the east side of the river Jordan. Later on while the Israelites were crossing the river Jordan, God performed another miracle! As soon as the Levites carrying the ark stepped into the water, the river immediately stopped flowing and stood up like a wall. Waters of Jordan stopped upstream, and drained away below them downstream. Thus the river waters disappeared and people were walking on dry ground to cross river Jordan into Canaan, the land of Promise. On reaching Canaan, the remaining nine and a half tribes were allotted lands on the west side of the River Jordan. The division of the land of Canaan was carried out by Joshua, the son of Nun. Thus six cities were designated and set apart as the Cities of Refuge, three each on either side of River Jordan. According to Gods laws of judgement, the punishment for murder is the death penalty. Whoever kills a person, the murderer shall be put to death. However, if the death was accidental or unintentional, then the man was not guilty of murder and could not be turned over to the avenger of blood. In the latter case alone, the City of Refuge afforded protection. God hated murderers, but He wanted justice to prevail. The Cities of Refuge are reminders of Gods protection for the innocent. They were appointed to maintain justice, yet at the same time to exercise mercy and to protect
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the innocent. These six cities were refuges for the children of Israel, for the stranger, and for the sojourner among them, that anyone who kills a person accidentally may flee there. In Christ there is the same mingling of justice and mercy. Justice is important to God and equally important to Him is mercy. The Cities of Refuge reflect the mercy of God. While God hates sin- He loves mercy. Yet divine mercy is not indiscriminate. Both justice and mercy must prevail together. The Cities of Refuge didnt repudiate capital punishment; rather, it was Gods way of allowing both justice and mercy to prevail. Only the innocent were to be protected, not the guilty. Anyone who had killed someone accidentally could flee to one of these six towns and find refuge from the avenger of blood. This protected the accused from death before standing trial. The provision for Cities of Refuge was not intended to shelter crime; it was meant only to secure justice by ensuring a fair and impartial trial. The City of Refuge is a place of safety but it is also a place of exile. The accused must flee to the city and get inside the gates, lest the pursuer come upon him. In the Israelite society there was no police force to investigate crimes. It was the moral responsibility of the family member who was closest to the victim to investigate and avenge the murder. They might end up avenging the death by indiscriminately killing someone who wasnt guilty of a capital crime. Thats why these Cities of Refuge were needed. The slayer or manslayer could immediately flee to the gate of one of these cities, and there he would be
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protected from the avenger of blood until the elders could investigate the circumstances in a preliminary hearing. If the fugitive was found guilty of premeditated murder then the elders would execute the person who had come to them for protection. That way, the family of the victim would be satisfied. But if it could be established that this person had committed the crime by accident or in a fit of passion, then he would be given the right of asylum in the city, safe from any threat from the avenger of blood. But he was required to stay there even though he had been declared innocent of premeditated murder, because he was still guilty of manslaughter. He would still need to reside in the City of Refuge to avoid revenge by the relatives or friends of the person he killed. Manslayers who dwelt in the City of Refuge were only free to leave on the death of the high priest. As long as the high priest was alive the accused could remain secure in the city. On his death the cities were emptied and everyone was free to go home. He is a manslayer, but still he is freed unconditionally. He is no longer considered guilty! Imagine this scene from a busy court room. The criminal was standing in the docks with his head bowed down. All the evidence was against him. The case would be closed and the verdict pronounced any minute. The prisoner turned his eyes towards the judge. Long ago the judge was his classmate. They were good friends. He didnt study well, whereas the judge did. He regretted the days when he was lazy and spent his time on cruelty.
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His friend studied well and became a judge. Now he looked hopefully at the judge and thought the judge would help him. His offence was clearly proven beyond doubt. The defence concluded and the judge was ready to pronounce the verdict. The prisoner vainly looks at the face of the judge with a final ray of hope. He wipes his sweaty forehead with his feverish hands and his heart beats faster. Amidst the silence the judge delivers the verdict - guilty followed by a sentence to pay a huge sum of money. Tears rolled down the criminals cheeks while he thought, how can a penniless criminal like me who doesnt have a rupee to spare pay this huge sum? He shuddered at the thought of his wretched life ahead among criminals within the gloomy walls of a prison. The court officers then took him to the prison superintendent. Just then, an officer from the court arrived hurriedly and delivered a letter to the superintendent. The judge himself had paid the entire sum as a ransom for him! What unexpected and unbelievable news! The prisoner was set free! The judge was an impartial decision-maker in the pursuit of justice. He could not misuse his power or make a biased decision. But then, out of his kindness and mercy towards his childhood classmate, the judge paid for the criminal from his own money to set him free. This is a very modest allegory of what Christ does for us.
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Christ is our City of Refuge. Cities of Refuge portray how Christ shelters the sinner from death. Most beloved friend, have you sought refuge in the pierced heart of Jesus? Are you washed clean of sin by the Holy Blood of Jesus? Have you found a shelter at the foot of Christs cross and in the blood of Christ shed on the cross? Do you experience the power of Christs precious blood that takes away all your fears, worries and anxieties? Have you got the mark of the Holy Blood which forgives all your sins and cleanses you? Dear son, do not delay. Invite Jesus who is waiting patiently near you into your heart and surrender your life to Him, then you can say, Lord from today onwards, I am your asset. Lord from today onwards, I am a new creation.

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Chapter 3
The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold Psalm 18:2. Christ is our refuge. Christ is our fortress. Christ is our shelter and he is our place of safety. These six Cities of Refuge in the Old Testament are a forerunner of Christ, to whom we can flee for refuge. The Cities of Refuge were a very marvellous provision for a man who accidentally killed someone, to escape from the avenger of blood. This avenger can take revenge and murder the guilty man before he enters the gates of the City of Refuge. Cities of Refuge point to the saviour and were divinely designed to foreshadow Him. Or if anyone has a wooden object in his hand that could kill, and he hits someone so that he dies, he is a murderer; the murderer shall be put to death. The avenger of blood shall put the murderer to death; when he meets him, he shall put him to death. If anyone with malice aforethought shoves another or throws something at him intentionally so that he dies or if in hostility he hits him with his fist so that he dies, that person shall be put to death; he is a murderer. The avenger of blood shall put the murderer to death when he meets him. But if without
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hostility someone suddenly shoves another or throws something at him unintentionally or, without seeing him, drops a stone on him that could kill him, and he dies, then since he was not his enemy and he did not intend to harm him, the assembly must judge between him and the avenger of blood according to these regulations. The assembly must protect the one accused of murder from the avenger of blood and send him back to the city of refuge to which he fled. He must stay there until the death of the high priest, who was anointed with the holy oil. But if the accused ever goes outside the limits of the city of refuge to which he has fled and the avenger of blood finds him outside the city, the avenger of blood may kill the accused without being guilty of murder. The accused must stay in his city of refuge until the death of the high priest; only after the death of the high priest may he return to his own property. Numbers 35: 18-28 Hidden throughout the Old Testament are shadows of the New Testament. The New Testament then turns around and reveals the Old Testament and parallels can be found in both. There is a person portrayed as the pivotal character in both the Old and the New Testaments. He is Jesus Christ. Prophets had recorded and documented about Jesus Christ, centuries before He was born. We read in the book of Genesis;
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Lord thus said to the serpent that deceived the first man, And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel. Genesis 3:15 Four thousand years before the birth of Jesus, the Bible records Jesus as the offspring of a woman. The first glimmer of the Gods plan of salvation could be seen when God gave a promise to Adam; that womans offspring would crush the serpents head. A gracious promise made about Jesus Christ! Only one person has ever been born as an offspring of woman. The unparalleled Jesus Christ alone! Everyone else are mens offspring. All other progenies have their fathers name as surnames. But, Jesus was the only one to be the seed of a woman, to be born of a virgin! Two thousand years before Jesus Christ was born, Abraham and Issac ascended Mount Moria together, with Issac carrying the wood for his sacrifice on his back. When Abraham took Isaac to sacrifice him, it foreshadows God offering his only son Jesus for us. Two thousand years later, Jesus walked the same route to the summit of Mount Moriah carrying the wooden Cross, upon which He was sacrificed. During their ascent Issac asked his father Abraham, Look, there is fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for a burnt offering? This question was answered in the words of John the Baptist when he declared, pointing to Jesus
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Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world John 1:29 Jesus Christ is symbolically represented in every book in the Old Testament starting from Genesis to Malachi. Tree of life Offspring of woman Garments of skin for Adam Offering of Abel Noahs ark Noahs sacrifice Rainbow Melchizedek, king of Salem Sacrifice of Abraham Abraham offering Issac Jacobs ladder Joseph Shiloh Slaughtered lamb of passover Manna Ark of the covenant Cleft of the rock Tent of the congregation Burnt offering Scapegoat
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Genesis Genesis Genesis Genesis Genesis Genesis Genesis Genesis Genesis Genesis Genesis Genesis Genesis Exodus Exodus Exodus Exodus Exodus Leviticus Leviticus

2:9 3:15 3:21 4:4 6:14 8:20 9:13 14:18 15:17 22:1-15 28:12 37:3 49:10 12:6 16:15 25:10 32:22 40:34 1:1-17 16:10, 21
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Unleavened Bread Redeemer Aarons staff Rock at Kadesh Bronze snake Offerings Prophet Scarlet cord

Leviticus Leviticus Numbers Numbers Numbers

23:6 25:25 17:10 20:7-8 21:8

Deuteronomy 12:6 Deuteronomy 18:15-19 Joshua 2:17-18 5:14

Commander of the LORDs army Joshua

Angel of the LORD who came up to Bochim Judges 2:1 Angel of the LORD who appeared to Gideon Judges 6:21 Angel of the LORD who appeared to Manoah Judges 13:18 Levite from Bethlehem Boaz - Kinsman-redeemer David Temple Wall of Jerusalem Mordecai Redeemer Son of God Most handsome Man of your right hand Cornerstone Wisdom Fear of God
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Judges Ruth 1 Samuel Ezra Nehemiah Esther Job Psalms Psalms Psalms Psalms Proverbs

17:9 4:10 16:13

10:3 19:25 2:7 45:2 80:17 118:22 8:12

Ecclesiastes 12:13
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Beloved, lover Branch of the LORD Lord seated on a throne A man of no beauty or majesty A man robed in splendour Rescuer Deliverer Balm of Gilead Physician Everlasting love Horns of altars Potter Man who has seen affliction Glory of the God Son of man Anointed one Free love Spirit of God Shepherd Judge Jonah Ruler
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Song of Songs 2:16, 8:5 Isaiah Isaiah Isaiah Isaiah Jeremiah Jeremiah Jeremiah Jeremiah Jeremiah Jeremiah 4:2 6:1 8:14 53:2 63:1 1:8 1:19 8:22 31:3 17:1 18:4

Stone that makes people stumbleIsaiah

Jeremiah 8:22, 46:11

Lamentation 3:1 2:34 7:13 9:26 14:4-9 2:28 3:18 7:14 21 1:17, 3:3 5:2
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Ezekiel1:28,3:12, 3:23, 8:4, 43:2-6 Daniel Daniel Hosea Joel Amos Obadiah Jonah Micah

Rock cut out not by human hands Daniel

Fountain flowing out of the Lords house Joel

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Judge The righteous Lords temple Signet ring Headstone Grace Opened fountain Man named the Branch Sun of Righteousness Messenger

Nahum Habakkuk Haggai Zechariah Zechariah Zechariah Zechariah Malachi Malachi

1:3 2:4 2:23 4:7 4:7 13:1 6:12 4:2 3:1

Haggai 1:4, 2:15, 1:14

Psalm 22 was written by King David a thousand years before the birth of Christ. He cried out; My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Psalms 22:1 When Jesus made the fourth statement lying on the cross, a thousand years later, it was the fulfilment of what David wrote in Psalm 22. The place of Jesuss nativity was precisely foretold a thousand and one hundred years before His birth. Prophecies in the Old Testament revealed that Bethlehem would be the birthplace of the Messiah. Micah said to him, Where do you come from? And he said to him, I am a Levite from Bethlehem in Judah, and I am going to stay wherever I may find a place. Judges 17:9 (NASB).
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Micah was a prophet who lived in the eighth century B.C. He predicted that the future ruler of Israel would come from Bethlehem. Micah wrote this prophecy more than 800 years before it was fulfilled by Jesus Christ. Micah 5:2 reads, But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times. Micah 5:2 The book of Isaiah contains many prophecies regarding Jesus Christ and His kingdom. Isaiah 7:14 contain a prophecy of the virgin birth of Jesus Christ. Isaiah foretold the virgin birth of Jesus nearly 750 years before the birth of Christ. Isaiah prophesied, All right then, the Lord himself will give you the sign. Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14 (NLT). He later on prophesied again, For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will
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be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 Isaiah foretold the humiliation and suffering and death on the cross of Jesus Christ vividly in chapter 53. He speaks about the purpose of Jesuss sufferings for our sins and how He makes intercession for the transgressors. He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised and we esteemed him not. Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth Isaiah 53:3-7 The prophet Zechariah who lived in the 6th century had foretold that Jesus would enter Jerusalem on a donkey. This was fulfilled 600 years later when Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey during the Hosanna procession.
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Zechariah 9:9 says, Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. Zechariah indicated the precise number of coins involved in the betrayal of Christ in chapter 11:12-13. Zechariah predicted: I told them, If you think it best, give me my pay; but if not, keep it. So they paid me thirty pieces of silver. And the Lord said to me, Throw it to the potter the handsome price at which they priced me! So I took the thirty pieces of silver and threw them into the house of the Lord to the potter. This was fulfilled about 600 years later in Judas betrayal of Christ for 30 pieces of silver. Jesus Christ is the main focal point and the unifying theme of the Old and the New Testament. Several prophesies in the Old Testament foreshadows the coming Christ. Cities of Refuge in the Old Testament foreshadow Jesus Christ in the New Testament. Jesus Christ who is the central figure in the Holy Bible must come into and fill our hearts. His love should fill our souls. His purity, tenderness and compassion should fill us. The very nature of Jesus should fill us - the likeness of God. A Chinese man once visited England and on his return to his home country he brought back a microscope. It was
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a powerful one which could magnify even minute objects several folds. One day while having lunch he just held it over his food. To his horror he could see a lot of tiny creatures in his food. They were so tiny that they were not visible to the human eye without a microscope. This person being a Buddhist, strictly followed the principles of non-violence. He was very particular that he should not kill even a small creature as Buddhists have always condemned the killing of all living beings. He got up without having his lunch. This continued for a while till he could no longer hold his hunger. Finally, in a fit of desperation he threw away and broke the microscope. Now he couldnt see any insects in his food and he happily finished his lunch without feeling guilty anymore. The Word of God is like a mirror. As a mirror, the Word of God serves two important purposes: showing us the true condition we are in, and revealing who Jesus Christ really is. When we look through the mirror of Gods Word we can clearly see if Jesus Christ is filling our hearts. At the same time, we can also see the multitude of sins filling our hearts. Vileness, wickedness, vengeance, hatred, jealousy, envy, deception, self-centredness, pride, impurity, obscenity, covetousness are just some of them. Because of these sins in our heart, devil the owner of sins reign in our hearts. Christ has no place there.
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When you realise and remember all your sins with a contrite heart, confess them with a repentant heart, make a firm decision that you will never give space for sin in your life and henceforth take refuge at the holy feet of Jesus Christ, then He forgives all your sins. Jesus, your City of refuge wipes out and fully erases all your transgressions. He converts you and changes your heart, your character and your nature; your attitudes and your outlooks. He will transform you into a new being. Then, Christs calming peace, serenity and love will fill your hearts. When you experience that undeserving and marvellous peace, your hearts will fill with gratitude. Thereupon, boundless springs of praise will start emanating from you. Consequently praise, worship, glory, adoration, benediction and constant veneration will start to be offered to Him incessantly. At this point, it will be comprehended with reverence that extolling and glorifying God is most appropriate and legitimate. With shouts of praise and honour we declare, It is right and just to give God thanks and praise.To whom is due honour and worship, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen. Glory be to the Father, to the Son and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be, world without end. For blessed art thou by all generations, and glorified is thy most honourable name unto the ages of ages. Alleluiah! *****
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Chapter 4
The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms. Deuteronomy 33:27 Christ is the eternal refuge for a sinner. He sets free those who are guilty of sin. He forgives the countless sins of a transgressor. He is a shelter for a sinner to hide. Christ is the City of Refuge for a man who has sinned and is seeking mercy. City of Refuge in the Old Testament is a forerunner of Jesus Christ. A City of Refuge is a precursor and shadow of things to come in Jesus Christ. A murder could be a deliberate and planned one. On the other hand, it could be an accidental and unintentional one. Cities of Refuge are for people who belong to the second category. The manslayer who kills any person unintentionally, without premeditation, may flee to the Cities of Refuge which become a refuge for them, from the avenger of blood. Cities of Refuge are places for people who have committed a crime unknowingly or by accident. When you read this you might doubt if only the unintentional sinner would be saved. You would think I committed sin with full knowledge. I knew that stealing is sin, but still I stole. I am fully aware that adultery is a sin, yet I have not been faithful. I knew smoking is dangerous. Even without seeing the message Statutory warning: smoking is injurious to health
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I knew very well that it is not good for my body. The message is an old one, yet everyone choose to ignore it. We are aware that it poses many health risks including lung cancer. Smokers also have a significantly higher risk of developing several other illnesses. Yet even people who teach about this and those who are aware of the damage caused, cannot control smoking. Man is sinful by nature. He has an inborn tendency to commit sin. Is there any hope for those who sin knowingly? The sinfulness of man does not consist solely of the voluntary sins which he commits; for these are the fruits of his corrupt nature. Regardless of his sin, the sinner may find asylum and sanctuary in Christ; all who flee to Him find refuge in Him. All of us were sinners, and the wages of sin is death, so when we run to Jesus, He is our refuge from the wrath of God. We can approach Him, fall at His feet and confess our sins to Him. We can acknowledge our decision that we will not sin again. The Cities of Refuge only helped the innocent, but even the guilty can come to Jesus and find refuge. This is a crucial distinction between the Cities of Refuge and our refuge in Jesus. Heavenly Father, I am a sinner who knowingly sinned against you. I deliberately sinned in so and so I tried to justify my sin although I knew very clearly that I was wrong. Please forgive me and have mercy on me. When sins enter a mans life it tarnishes all areas of his life. Guilt haunts him day and night. Sin ruins his life and leads his life to despair. Restlessness and brokenness fills his life.
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As a result of sin, his future becomes dark and he loses peace of mind. Sin creates rifts and chaos in families. Sin ruins relationships. Sin disunites wives and husbands and separates parents and children. Happy families and institutions are ruined by the consequences of sin. Sin is futile and dangerous. When a person sins and carries the burden of guilt, it often leads to physical suffering and diseases. Even though man is aware of all these, he still commits sin. Man, who is aware of the full consequences of sin, still continues to pursue its paths and keeps on sinning! By nature man has an inherent and prevailing tendency to sin. In Romans chapter 3, Gods Spirit tells very conspicuously and precisely about sin; There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands; there is no one who seeks God. All have turned away; they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one. Their throats are open graves; their tongues practice deceit. The poison of vipers is on their lips. Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness. Their feet are swift to shed blood; ruin and misery mark their ways. Romans 3:10-16 This shows the corrupt state and condition of mankind in general. All of mankind is under the guilt of sin, as a burden; and under the government and dominion of sin, is enslaved to it, to work wickedness.
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Their cobwebs are useless for clothing; they cannot cover themselves with what they make. Their deeds are evil deeds and acts of violence are in their hands. Their feet rush into sin; they are swift to shed innocent blood. They pursue evil schemes; acts of violence mark their ways. The way of peace they do not know; there is no justice in their paths. They have turned them into crooked roads; no one who walks along them will know peace. Isaiah 59:6-8 Here, prophet Isaiah is opening up the sinful state of man! His thoughts are defiled and impure. His ways are corrupt. His heart is full of wickedness, vain and foolish thoughts. His thoughts, attitudes of heart and actions are sinful which eventually enslaves him and destroys his life. We read in the book of Micah; The godly have been swept from the land; not one upright man remains. All men lie in wait to shed blood; each hunts his brother with a net. Micah 7:2 Micah describes those that are left in this world are totally wicked people. All men lie in wait to shed blood; each hunts his brother with a net. Both hands are skilled in doing evil. Micah 7:2-3
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The judge asks for a reward - That he may decide the cause in favour of him who gives most money, whether the cause be good or evil. The ruler demands gifts, the judge accepts bribes, the powerful dictate what they desire, they all conspire together. Micah 7:3 The prophet here tells that even judges, who are expected to be fair in their judgement, accept bribes and are ready to do anything for money. They violate their responsibilities and duties and practice corruption. The best of them is like a brier, the most upright worse than a thorn hedge. The day of your watchmen has come, the day God visits you. Now is the time of their confusion. Micah 7:4 Even the best of them is sharper than a thorn hedge, good for nothing but very hurtful, pricking and scratching those who have anything to do with them. Child of God, you have a day of visitation. Danger is beholding you. The day of visitation is near. Menace is lingering on your way. Hazards are awaiting you on your way. Before disaster strikes, turn around and change your minds. Denounce your evil ways and turn back to God. This is what Gods spirit is warning through Micah, the prophet of God. The Day of punishment is coming!
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Sin has annihilated man. Devil has devoured man as a result of his sins. Man is a captive of devil as a consequence of sin. Sin is a bondage for man. As it is said There is no difference, for all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. In Romans chapter 5, we read about this as follows, Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned for before the law was given, sin was in the world. But sin is not taken into account when there is no law. Nevertheless, death reigned from the time of Adam to the time of Moses, even over those who did not sin by breaking a command, as did Adam, who was a pattern of the one to come. But the gift is not like the trespass. For if the many died by the trespass of the one man, how much more did Gods grace and the gift that came by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, overflow to the many! Romans 5:12-15 Sin entered world through Adam, and through sin, death. Sin entered humanity through one man and death, the penalty of sin passed on to the whole mankind. For, if by one mans offence - by Adams sin death reigned; even so by the abundance of the free gift of grace of God and His son Jesus Christ, sin is wiped away forever.
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The judgment followed one sin and brought condemnation, but the gift followed many trespasses and brought justification. Romans 5:16 It was by one mans sin that we all fell - through the first man Adam. The result of Adams sin- the fruit of disobedience is death. As by one mans disobedience many were made sinners, even so by the righteousness of one - Jesus Christ, the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. Death was caused by the first man, Adam but restoration and life was brought about by the second Man, Jesus Christ. One man, Adams sin brought death and judgment of condemnation upon the human race, age after age. Forgiveness of sin is provided by the grace of God through the provision of one man, Jesus Christ. For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive Gods abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ. Consequently, just as the result of one trespass was condemnation for all men, so also the result of one act of righteousness was justification that brings life for all men. For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous. Romans 5:17-19
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But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. Isaiah 53:5 Dear friend, do you believe that Jesus Christ bore the punishment for our sins? If you truly believe that He bore our sins in his body on the cross, then from today you will give up all your sins and lead a renewed life. Your life will abound with a new hope and sublime peace. The void in your heart will be filled with a new overwhelming love. That is the experience of reaching the City of Refuge. It is the fortunate experience of leaning on the bosom of Jesus Christ, the true City of Refuge; yielding security, fearlessness and hopeful aspirations for a flourishing future.

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Chapter 5
You have been a refuge for the poor, a refuge for the needy in his distress, a shelter from the storm and a shade from the heat. Isaiah 25:4 City of Refuge is a place which gives protection to the convicted. City of Refuge is a city of justification. City of Refuge is a place where the condemned is treated like a blameless person. City of Refuge is a city where the sinner gets salvation. It is a place to which a sinner can flee for refuge. If he kills a person accidentally, it is a sanctuary to which he can escape. Protection was granted to those who had unintentionally taken the life of another person when he fled to the City of Refuge and his punishment was absolved. Once he enters this sanctuary he can be safe and fearless. That is not just enough; he must confess his sin to the high priests there. He must admit his sin openly and completely, without concealing anything. He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy. Proverbs 28:13 Firstly, sins must not be concealed. Secondly, sins must be confessed. Thirdly, sins must be forsaken and renounced.
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If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 Repent about your sins earnestly. Turn your back on your sin and forsake it. Confess your sins with a penitent and broken heart. Then God will have mercy on you. Come now, let us reason together, says the LORD. Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool. Isaiah 1:18 There is a story about two young boys. One boy Korah was a servant and the other boy, James the masters beloved son. They were of the same age and they often played together. Korah lived in his masters home and worked in the fields and the household. Korah was very resourceful and hardworking and performed all his tasks very well. He did all the household jobs including cleaning the house, washing the clothes, ironing, washing the dishes and tending to the farm animals. James was not used to doing any work, as he was the masters son. One day James was waiting for Korah to finish his work in the farm, to play with him. While waiting, he started picking
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up pebbles and kept throwing them as far as he could. Alas! One of the stones hit a hens head and it was killed. He looked around to see if anyone had seen this. Luckily there was no one around. He quickly buried the hen under a pile of soil and dried leaves. He consoled himself thinking - It is just one hen, my parents might not even notice one missing, as they have several other hens. Moreover, no one saw me killing it. Never mind! He went back to his house and carried on as if nothing happened. But deep down he started feeling uneasy. He started feeling guilty about killing the hen. Nobody saw it. Still his mind was disturbed. Next morning Korah called James. He went over thinking that they were going to play. Instead, Korah asked him to do the house work! James was annoyed. He asked - what on earth are you telling; those are your jobs, Why should I do them? Korah continued; Not only the house work, you are going to do the work in the farm and stables as well today. James was very upset and his outburst was Me! You are the one who should be doing all these. You are employed here and paid for doing these. Why should I do this work? Korah scornfully replied; You better obey me and do all I ask you to do. I saw what you did to the hen and how it was killed. If you dont listen to me, I will report everything to your
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father. He will be very angry with you and will beat you up. Dont think that nobody saw what you did. I didnt say anything then, but I was a spectator to what happened yesterday with the hen. Poor James was afraid and troubled. He was greatly distressed and started crying. He pleaded with Korah not to mention anything to his father. He conceded to Korah that he was ready to do anything that Korah asked him to do. Korah made James do all the work, which normally he himself had to do. Miserable little James did all the work alone. Work he had never ever done before. He had to work quite hard as he had no experience of doing these kind of works. His situation was pathetic. He had to obey whatever Korah asked him to do. This continued on not for just one day, but for days and weeks. James became very sad and distressed by the hard work. One day he thought, How long have I been suffering like this? How long have I been agonizing over and working as a slave to Korah! He was totally depressed and tired. One night after dinner, while his father sat down to read a book, he mustered up enough courage and slowly walked up to his father. Tears rolled down his cheeks. His father lifted his face from his book and looked at his tearful son. He asked Whats the matter my dear son? Are you alright? Did you fall somewhere and hurt yourself? Tell me whats wrong?
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James could not utter even a single word, but continued crying. His father held him close and implored further. Come on my dear son, tell me what happened? He stammered in between crying, Father, I made a terrible mistake. He continued, Some time ago while I was playing throwing stones, a stone hit one of our hens head by mistake and it was killed. It was an accident, but I was so scared to tell you. Thinking that nobody saw it, I dug a hole and buried the hen in it. I am feeling so sorry about it. Father, please forgive me. The loving father held the boy close and kissed him. His mother also gave him a hug and comforted him. His father told him not to worry about the hen or the incident any more. He told him that they had a lot of hens and killing one by an accident did not bother him at all. Alas, James was expecting to be scolded and punished for what he had done. Instead now, he was relieved and happy to have the burden off his mind. He came out of his fathers room cheerfully. Next morning as usual Korah called James to make him do his work. But James did not budge from where he sat. Korah called again but there was no response. Noticing the defiance on the face of James, Korah threatened, You better go and do the entire house work or I am going to tell your father about the hen incident.
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To this James boldly replied, You may go and either tell him or not tell him, thats your choice. Go ahead, I dont mind at all. Korah was ashamed. James had told everything to his father before Korah could accuse him of his wrongdoing. He had already admitted and confessed what he had done, to his father. Korah had lost his hold over James. Dear child of God, these days Satan is juggling many people and making a puppet show of their lives. He is executing several people outside the gates of the City of Refuge. Satan is tossing around many people who have done wrong. He asks, Havent you done this offense? Havent you transgressed? Do you have any right to pray? How can you go for prayer meetings and fellowships? There is no use even if you hear Gods word. Not only you, but those near you also may not benefit. Just because of an unworthy person like you, everyone in the fellowship is losing their blessings. Likewise, dear child, in so many ways the devil is accusing you and finding fault with you. The devil is placing blame on you for wrongdoing and sinking you deep into hopelessness and the powerful eddies of despair. He makes you feel trapped in a hopeless situation. The scripture says, For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one
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who has been tempted in every way, just as we are - yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 4:15-16 Before the accuser approaches to blame you and condemn you, draw near to the throne of grace with confidence. Let us therefore boldly come before the King of Kings. At His feet we have refuge. At His feet we have a hiding place and a safe shelter. We do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses. He knows our nature very well. He understands our imperfect and inadequate, nature. For he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust. Psalm 103:14 He knows our frame, our make and build. He knows that we are very feeble. He knows our constitution and temperament, our prevailing infirmity and how quickly we fall into temptations. He perceives our frail nature which is easily prone to falling into sin. Friend, is your life marred by your infirmities? Sister, arent there many things in your life that should never have happened? Even then, you can come boldly to the throne of God, His throne of grace. Beloved friend, there are things that have happened in
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your life, which never should have happened. However, you need not stay low in spirit, faint, and despondent. Take heart to approach the Lord Jesus and tell him openly about your mistakes. You will become courageous when you acknowledge your faults and failings and decide that they will never ever happen again. It happened in the past. There is no way to make amendments for my past misdeeds. I am incapable of doing any penance for my past wrongs. Lord, I have been a failure in many things. I have fallen miserably on several occasions, even when I was very confident and sure that I will not fall. Transgressions occurred in the promises I made to you. Dear Lord, I have misbehaved and erred in so many things and have deviated from your paths. Come to the Lord with a heart which is humble and penitent. May you have a broken heart and a contrite spirit when you come to the Lord. The gates to the City of Refuge are always open. No matter what the time of day or night, the gates of the City of Refuge are never closed. The way to the City of Refuge is a wide highway not a pedestrian path. The roads leading to the Cities of Refuge are clear from obstructions and always open. And a highway will be there; it will be called the Way of Holiness. Isaiah 35:8 The Cities of Refuge are easy to access. The roads leading to them are carefully marked and maintained. There was law that the Jewish magistrates and judges should inspect them every year, and undertake repairs. Bridges
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were built across the valleys. Hills were levelled. Time should not be wasted by climbing up and going down hills. The way to these Cities of Refuge were always kept clear and regularly repaired, so that the roads could be easily travelled. The Cities of Refuge were always easily accessible. There must be no obstacles in the way that would hinder any who might flee to the Cities of Refuge. Work crews were sent out every year to remove all large rocks and fallen trees from the road, taking the greatest possible care to remove every stumbling-block. Any low lying places in the road would be filled; any high places would be levelled. Dear friend, have you reached the holy feet of Jesus Christ, our City of Refuge? Have you surrendered your body, mind and soul at His feet? Have you accepted Jesus; who was rejected and mocked by all, who suffered in the cross and died for your sins? Have you started to live a new Christ centred life, pleasing to God?

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Chapter 6
The highways to the Cities of Refuge are always clear and free of any obstructions, so that one who is fleeing to the City of Refuge might have no difficulty in getting there. If you have come to Jesus Christ to confess your sins and to seek refuge in Him, you will never be put to hopelessness and despair. No one would have his progress impeded as he flees to Jesus Christ. No one needs to fear that they would be turned away from Jesus, the eternal refuge. No one will prohibit you or stop you from approaching Jesus. But the devil might say, You would not be saved even if you go there. Satan would make us feel guilty. He will keep reminding you of the numerous times you have fallen and give a thought in your heart that you may not be worthy to stand before God. Even if you make a decision again, God will neither accept your word nor believe you. He leaves us with no way out and no help to correct the problem. Guilt leaves us ashamed and unproductive. He makes us feel so bad that we can do nothing. Satan would take our guilt and twist it into a means of accusing us in any number of different ways. He would make you think, Would I be able to stand up against temptations? Would I fall again? He would constantly remind you of your past transgressions. One of Satans tricks is to get us into thinking that there is no hope, that there is no possibility that we can be forgiven, healed, and restored. He will try to get us to feel consumed and trapped by guilt, so that we do not feel worthy of Gods forgiveness any longer.
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A young man once told me, I have taken a clear decision, but I am not sure if I will be able to stand against sin. In the past, despite having taken decisions on several occasions, I failed miserably and fell into sin. So although I took a decision again now, I am worried if I can persist? I told that man, there is only one thing to decide, check if your decision to keep away from sin and not to commit sin again is truly sincere? Look into the depths of your heart and see if you have a steadfast desire not to make a mistake again? Do you fully realise that if you commit sin again, the ultimate loser is you, not your parents or your teachers, but that you are playing with your future? You alone will be the loser. Are you convinced of that? With that strong conviction can you make a genuine decision that you will not commit sin anymore? Then, you can win. Then, you can be sure enough that God will give you the grace to stand firm without falling into sin. Grace is for those who need it. Friend, are you interested in starting a new life? Are you willing to make amendments for the sins you committed? When you go before God, all your past sins, however horrific they were; even the worst sins are forgiven. They are insignificant before Gods divine forgiveness. Another person told me, I want to openly confess some things in my life and get some peace. He told me many things openly with a penitent heart. After that he told me, Sir, you may never have heard these sorts of sins ever in your life. You may not have ever met such a person like me who has lived such a demoralised life.
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When I heard that I remembered the conversation I had with another person a few days ago. On that day I had listened to much more horrifying things! To the person who confesses sins, those are the most shocking sins that could ever be committed. However, he doesnt realise that the state of many others is even worse than his. Dear child of God, you need not be disheartened again. You can still be hopeful and climb out of the pits of despair. A City of Refuge is kept open for you. God, the loving father has kept open a city for you. There were six Cities of Refuge, three east of the Jordan river and three west of the Jordan. All that any sinner had to do, was run to the Cities of Refuge and be saved. He could find protection and salvation there. He could enter the refuge and find a safe dwelling place. Jesus Christ has opened a highway for us. We read in Hebrews chapter 10: 19-22, Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.
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Jesus Christ, through his body, has opened up a new and living way for us through the veil. Christ gave his body to be torn apart. The way into the presence of God is now open to all who believe in Jesus. Now the gates to the City of Refuge are open. The door to ark is wide open. The door to grace is open; anyone can run to it and enter. Today is a good day when the door is open. Today is the blessed day when the King of Kings calls every one. I once heard a story about a famous lawyer Warren Candler. He was a brilliant advocate. Once a man, a murderer approached him, and wanted Warren Candler to take him on as a client. The man had indeed committed murder, but explained his extenuating circumstances to the lawyer. He was young and the only son of old parents. He wanted Warren Candler to represent him and clear him of the charges. Warren Candler agreed to represent him in the court. Candler argued brilliantly before the Judge. He argued; Yes the accused is guilty, but he is young. His old parents depend on him. He is their only hope. He made a mistake. He unintentionally committed a grave crime. Please have sympathy on the accused and pardon his crime. The jury was deeply moved by Warren Candlers words and set the accused free even though he was guilty. Now Warren advised the accused Dear friend, I pleaded for you this time around. You have been set free, despite that your crime was ghastly and dreadful. Please refrain from any wrong doings in future. Steer clear of evil ways. You may not get off free a second time Years passed. Again the man was brought into the court.
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Again the charge was murder. The lawyer who had defended him at his first trial was now the Judge on the bench. The accused on seeing Judge Warren Candler, hoped that he would be lenient once again. The trial proceeded and a guilty verdict was rendered by the jury. The man was sentenced to death for his crime. Ordering the condemned man to stand for sentencing, Judge Candler said, At your first trial, I was your lawyer, today I am your Judge. The verdict of the jury makes it mandatory for me to sentence you to be hanged by the neck, until you are dead. Friends, today Christ is seated on the throne of grace. He is willing to forgive and to forget. Today any sinner can go to Him and get redemption and salvation. He is the City of Refuge now. A City of Refuge open to all! His heart is open to all. Even the most hardened criminal can approach him. Even the biggest sinner can enter his protection and be saved. There is no sin that cannot be washed away by the blood of Christ. Just one thing is needed; you should not sin again. Stay in Jesus Christ the City of Refuge for ever. The door to the ark of salvation is open. Noah preached for one hundred and twenty years about the forthcoming flood and the door of the ark stayed open, giving everyone a chance to come aboard. He preached continuously about the impending flood that God would bring upon the earth to destroy the wicked. For a hundred and twenty years Noah warned the world of the coming destruction, but his message was rejected and despised. It had never rained, not even once prior to
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the flood; yet God told Noah that He was going to flood the earth with rain. Noah was ridiculed by others for building a huge boat in the middle of dry ground. They mocked: This old man has lost sanity, isnt he preaching utter nonsense? Dear friend, let others ridicule you.When you preach Gods words let others condemn you. Nevertheless, continue preaching the word of the Lord. For one hundred and twenty years Noahs solemn voice fell upon the ears of people. He urged, You need not be destroyed by the flood, it is going to rain heavily, there will be flooding, this ark will rise above water, get into this ark and be saved. People did not listen, they did not understand. Till then rain had never fallen; the earth had been watered by mist or dew. The rivers had never yet passed their boundaries, but had borne their waters safely to the sea. Noah spoke about rain which was never seen before. By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith. Hebrews 11:7 People did not believe, but Noah had faith and he believed. So he built the ark. Noahs warnings were doubted and rejected by the world; no one entered the ark except his family. Then, it started to rain. Water began to rise. People started to get worried as the water level rose. They ran to the ark. Alas the door of the ark was closed. They knocked
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at the closed door. They cried out, pleaded, and came clustering in great multitudes to the ark when they saw that the water was rising more and more! Some of them cried Please open the door for us, we helped in building the ark, we know the dimensions of the ark, we know the architecture of the ark, we can even prepare a thesis on it. No reply! They started swimming around the ark trying to grab its sides. The sides were slippery and they did not get any grip and the only door was tightly shut. The ark was surrounded by the cries, groans and shrieks of people as they drowned in the flood waters! Dear child of God, get into the ark before the flood comes. Get in and accept salvation before the eternal destruction comes. Be saved before the final judgement comes. Before the blood avenger gets hold of you, enter the City of Refuge. Get in so that your children are spared from his deluge. Seek salvation and enter the ark before your whole family perishes. Now is the time of Gods favour, now is the day of salvation 2 Corinthians 6:2 Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near Isaiah 55:6 Come to the sweet feet of Jesus to listen to his words which give life. From the window of heaven a dove is flying towards you just as the dove which flew out from the window of Noahs ark. The dove is searching for a place to put its foot down. The dove found no place, no rest for its foot on your head. Everywhere is covered with flood water. Drowned
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in the horrifying judgement of sin! Sins have piled so high that man is barely visible above. Iniquities of men have risen higher than their heads, and sins have mounted over their heads. The dove is flying back. The dove has no place to rest. It returned to the ark and let Noah take it again into the ark. Noah sends out the dove again and again! Is there any change, had the water subsided? Noah is anxiously waiting, Is there any place where the dove will find rest eventually? Then the dove comes back and this time it brought a fresh olive-leaf in its beak. Noah perceived from this that the water must be almost gone. This was a token of the state of things - though the ground might not be perfectly dry, but it was getting ready, your guilty consciousness is emerging, contrition is budding out. Sins are receding that the head is visible above sins. The beginning seems hopeful. There is a cloud, as small as a mans hand, rising out of the sea! There are signs of rain in the place where there was no rain for three years. And so Noah put forth his hand, and took the dove, and pulled her to him, into the ark, the dove brought an olive leaf in her beak. From whom will the dove of heaven get a green olive leaf? Who will get converted now? Does anyone have the first signs of a conversion in their hearts? Dear friend who is reading this, will you give space for the dove of heaven to set foot in your heart? Will you surrender yourself for the heavens dove to abide in your heart? If so, you will be blessed eternally. *****
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Chapter 7

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1 God appointed the Cities of Refuge for Israelites. These cities were designated for the Israelites 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 of elders. God is someone who always cares and provides for us. All men are sinners and are prone to sin. Jesus Christ is the ever living refuge for men who are error prone. There is punishment for sin. One who commits sin has to undergo punishment without fail. The wage for sin is death. However, any sinner can escape from death, the wage of sin. Just like in the Old Testament where the sinner refugee was delivered from the avenger in the Cities of Refuge, the present day sinner who can flee to Jesus can find refuge in Him. The truth of the perfect security and safety found in Jesus Christ is foretold and foreshadowed in the Cities of Refuge in the Old Testament. Hebrews chapter 6 (verses 13-20) talks about those who have fled to Him for refuge. Flee for refuge! The avenger is behind you. The avenger of blood hastens after you. The avenger of blood pursues the manslayer with his unsheathed sword.
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The manslayer is fleeing! He is fleeing to the City of Refuge to be saved. He finds provisional protection in the City of Refuge which keeps him safe from the blind and indiscriminate anger of the avenger of blood. When God made his promise to Abraham, since there was no one greater for him to swear by, he swore by himself, saying, I will surely bless you and give you many descendants. And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised.Men swear by someone greater than themselves, and the oath confirms what is said and puts an end to all argument. Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath. God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope offered to us may be greatly encouraged. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where Jesus, who went before us, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek. Hebrews 6:13-20 Behind the second veil of the Holy Temple at Jerusalem there was a tabernacle which was called the Holy of Holies. The second veil separated this most holy place from others and the high priest alone was allowed there. But through Jesus we are granted entry into this most holy place.This
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hope through Jesus, allows us to enter the inner shrine behind the curtain, where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf. We have been granted the competence, the confidence and the dependence to enter the most sacred place where only the high priest is allowed. The entry through the veil; it is the anchor of hope; it is the firmness of faith! A firm and secure anchor that keeps you from drifting into doubt and hopelessness! That promise is certain and not wavering. His purposes are unchangeable. God has been faithful even when His people were faithless. His promises were just that unconditional. His purposes have not changed. A sinner need not die in his sin. He need not perish in his wickedness. He need not go into the flaming fires of hell and its eternal punishment. Death, the wage of sin need not be encountered anymore. Ever holy God sent his only begotten Son into the world to be the Saviour of sinful men in an amazing instance of love. He sent him into the world to be crucified at the hands of sinners. Any sinner can undergo transformation and develop the character of Jesus. He can attain the image and likeness of Jesus Christ. The Holy Blood will wash out the sins and purify your life. Cleanse your life of the sins, make it pure and holy. These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Revelation 7:14 Why should we wash our robes and whiten them?
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Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city. Revelation 22:14 Behold, I come like a thief! Blessed is he who stays awake and keeps his clothes with him, so that he may not go naked and be shamefully exposed. Revelation 16:15 The robes are washed with blood. When washed with blood the robes whiten. When life is stained, devil still has custody over his life. The devil still has proprietary rights over ones life. Our character is vile, attitudes dirty, and nature completely unholy. Thoughts that pass through the mind are full of jealousy, hatred and animosity. Heart is full of cruelty and bitterness. It is full of earthly desires, greed, selfishness, malice and immoral wishes. Heart is in a rotten state, exuding a repulsive and loathsome odour. Even then, this mans heart can be cleansed. How? By seeking refuge in the wide open and wounded heart of Jesus. That is the City of Refuge. In Joshua chapter twenty, verses one to eight we read; 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 he flees to one of these cities, he
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is to stand in the entrance of the city gate and state his case before the elders of that city. Then they are to admit him into their city and give him a place to live with them. If the avenger of blood pursues him, they must not surrender the one accused, because he killed his neighbour unintentionally and without malice aforethought. He is to stay in that city until he has stood trial before the assembly and until the death of the high priest who is serving at that time. Then he may go back to his own home in the town from which he fled. So they set apart Kedesh in Galilee in the hill country of Naphtali, Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim, and KiriathArba (that is, Hebron) in the hill country of Judah.On the east side of the Jordan of Jerichoa they designated Bezer in the desert on the plateau in the tribe of Reuben, Ramoth in Gilead in the tribe of Gad, and Golan in Bashan in the tribe of Manasseh. Further on, we read as follows; Any of the Israelites or any alien living among them who killed someone accidentally could flee to these designated cities and not be killed by the avenger of blood prior to standing trial before the assembly. Joshua 20:9 What were the regulations and instructions for the manslayer to be saved from the avenger of blood? When he flees to one of these cities, he is to stand in the entrance of the city gate and state his case before the elders of that city. Then they are to admit him into their city and give him a place to live with them. If the avenger of blood pursues him, they must
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not surrender the one accused, because he killed his neighbour unintentionally and without malice aforethought. Joshua 20:4-5 The manslayer must bring his case before the elders of that city. Then only will they protect him from the avenger of blood. He must tell the truth openly. He will not be granted shelter unless he confesses his sin. He must acknowledge his sins and disclose them without hiding anything. He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy. Proverbs 28:13 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 We can have a look at what Joshua tells Achan who coveted and tried to conceal the plundered goods of Jericho. Then Joshua said to Achan, My son, give glory to the LORD, the God of Israel, and give him the praise. Tell me what you have done; do not hide it from me. Joshua 7:19 David, the psalmist, sang after his sins were pardoned and had experienced the blessedness of Gods mercy; Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven,
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whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whose sin the LORD does not count against him and in whose spirit is no deceit. Psalm 32:1-2 He continues There was a time when I wouldnt admit what a sinner I was. When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. Psalm 32:3 The Psalmist here proceeds to state his condition of mind, before he himself found this peace, or before he had this evidence of pardon; the state in which he felt deeply that he was a sinner, yet was unwilling to confess his sin, and attempted to conceal it in his own heart. There was a time when I thought- I do not feel guilty at all, what should I confess? But now, I have acknowledged my sins with a remorseful heart, I have repented deeply and confessed them with a contrite heart. Then, my sins were forgiven! A heavy burden was lifted! I am terrified when I think of the times when I was not willing to accept that I am a sinner, when I was stubborn and refused to acknowledge my sins. There were periods in my life when I told myself that I will not confide or disclose my sins. Today, I can only look back at those times with dismay and apprehension. There was a time when I wouldnt admit what a sinner I was. But my dishonesty made me miserable
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and filled my days with frustration. All day and night your hand was heavy on me. My strength evaporated like water on a sunny day until I finally admitted all my sins to you. Psalm 32:3, 4 Here David talks about his own experience; what he felt when his heart hardened because of his sins. Neither did he feel guilty nor did he have a remorseful heart for more than a year. He committed adultery with Bathsheba, and then arranged to have Uriah, her husband killed, when she became pregnant. His sins included drunkenness then he committed adultery and then he tried to cover up his sin by causing the death of an innocent man killed by treachery. Adding to these sins were the deceit, crookedness and cunningness of his heart in planning these. Ever-loving God who still loved David sends Prophet Nathan to remind David about his sin and guilt. Gods pastoral care! Nathan the prophet confronted David and rebuked him harshly. (2 Samuel 12:1-12) At first David flew into a rage when he heard the parable of the little ewe; he said that any man in his kingdom who would do such a thing was worthy of death; he would execute anyone perpetrating such a deed. When Nathan pointed his finger at David and said, Thou art the man! David realised that the Lord knew what he had done. David stepped down from his throne and started weeping with sorrow. The mighty King of Israel shivered before the accusing finger pointed at him. He prayed for forgiveness with a penitent heart;
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If you, O LORD, kept a record of sins, O Lord, who could stand? Psalm 130:3 O LORD, remember David and all the hardships he endured. Psalm 132:1 I am worn out from groaning; all night long I flood my bed with weeping and drench my couch with tears. Psalm 6:6 Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Psalm 51:1 David acknowledged his sin and admitted that he had done wrong. He confessed to God. And then, the most merciful and gracious God forgave his sins. Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you are proved right when you speak and justified when you judge. Psalm 51:4 Likewise, a manslayer should flee to the City of Refuge to escape from the avenger of blood and confess everything to the elders! *****

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Chapter 8
I said, Oh, that I had the wings of a dove! I would fly away and be at rest - I would flee far away and stay in the desert; I would hurry to my place of shelter, far from the tempest and storm. Psalm 55:6-8 Let us have a look at these Cities of Refuge in the order given in the Bible. The first city designated as the City of Refuge was Kedesh in Galilee. The second City of Refuge was Shechem, in the hill country of Ephraim. The third was Hebron or Kirjath-arba, in the hill country of Judah. The fourth was Bezer, in the wilderness plain of the tribe of Reuben. The fifth was Ramoth in Gilead, in the territory of the tribe of Gad. The sixth was Golan in Bashan, in the land of the tribe of Manasseh. Joshua 20:7-8; Joshua 21:32 The Hebrew word Kedesh signifies Holy. It also means righteousness and sanctification. The Apostle St Paul says,
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Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who have sex with men, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor slanderers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 Christ is our sanctuary. When we trust in Him we are justified. The scripture says; For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished. Romans 3:23-25 Those who look up to Jesus with faith are justified. Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame. Psalm 34:5 In simpler terms, to justify - is to declare the unrighteous as the righteous, to make one who is wrong, to be right with
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God. Justification is the free salvation that comes to those who believe that the blemish-less Holy Blood of Jesus Christ was shed for sinners and those who find refuge in Him. Our righteousness comes from placing our faith in Jesus Christ. He declares us righteous and justifies us. The Apostle St Paul says again, Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 5:1 God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:21 Kedesh means holy. For it is written: Be holy, because I am holy 1 Peter 1:16 God spoke to His people through Moses, I am the Lord your God; consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am holy. Do not make yourselves unclean by any creature that moves along the ground. I am the Lord, who brought you up out of Egypt to be your God; therefore be holy, because I am holy. Leviticus 11:44-45
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(This can also be read in several parts of the book of Leviticus namely; Leviticus 20:26, 19:31, 27:15). God has established three routes for sanctification. 1) Sanctification through the Word of God. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. John 17:16-17 Here Jesus prays for sanctification through the Gospel, the Word of God.. He prays for consecration by the power of the Word. We become sanctified by the reception of Gods Word into our hearts and the complete surrender to His Word. 2) Sanctification through the Blood of Jesus Christ. The blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. 1 John 1:7 And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. Hebrews 10:10 And so Jesus also suffered outside the city gate to make the people holy through his own blood. Hebrews 13:12
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3) Sanctification through Holy Spirit. To make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. Ephesians 5:26-27 When we accept Gods word and surrender ourselves to the control, direction and guidance of the Holy Spirit, we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ and His holy blood. And then we experience the protection of salvation provided by the City of Refuge. The second City of Refuge Shechem means shoulder. Shechem denotes strengthening. Justification alone is not merely enough, but should be supplemented with strenghtening. Birth of a baby brings immense delight and happiness, but that happiness turns into concern and worry when he doesnt develop and grow according to his age. The baby should develop and make progress according to the normal developmental milestones. He should be strong enough to run around and jump. He should talk clearly and sing as he grows older. In the same way, a person once justified should progressively proceed from strength to strength. For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will
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be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 The shoulder is a place of strength. Shechem denotes the strength provided by the power, might and authority borne by the Lord Jesus on his shoulders. In the present day life, what is being carried on peoples shoulders? Is it not very heavy burdens? I removed the burden from their shoulders; their hands were set free from the basket. Psalm 81:6 Lifes tribulations place burdens on each of us. Many are burdened and weary carrying pain and grief in their lives. Burdens caused by debts and poverty. Pains and afflictions caused by sickness, diseases and illness. Burdens brought on by abuse and addiction to alcohol causing family life to fall apart, false accusations, cruel and unkind words. Some of us may have unpleasant experiences at work and may have been denied deserved promotions. Burdens from trials of life, joblessness, selfish and inconsiderate colleagues! Many of us struggle under such burdens. These burdens can be emotionally or physically ponderous. They can be worrying, oppressive, and exhausting. The stress and struggles of daily life overwhelm many people. There are times when the burdens we carry, seem to go on forever, times when the night seems to never end. Sleepless nights when morning seems far away! Times when our load seems so heavy, that we feel the next step will be our last!
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Yet, whatever be our burdens, Jesus Christ can lift away all the burdens off our shoulders. He will not only lift away the burdens, but strengthen our shoulders. He will make us strong. A reference to the shoulder in the New Testament is found in the Gospel of Luke where the good shepherd leaves ninety nine sheep to find the one lost sheep and, when He finds it, carries it upon his shoulders. And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders. Luke 15:5 The sheep lost and wandering in the depths of forests; the sheep ready to be torn apart by the wolves are all saved by the shepherd, carried on his strong shoulders and brought back to safety. When the shepherd carries the weak or injured sheep on his shoulders, his strength overshadows the weakness of the animals. Alone and unaided the sheep was a victim of wild animals and predators, but upon the strong shoulder of its guardian, even the weakest lamb is safe. Just as the good shepherd who carries his sheep on his sturdy shoulders, Shechem denotes the strength to lead innumerable lost and perishing souls to salvation. This is Shechem. The shoulder of Jesus never grows weary or tired. All the burdens laid upon those shoulders are born by Him. The Shepherd of our souls has borne the penalty for the worlds sin and Hell gladly carry you, your pains and suffering, till you are grey haired.
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Even to your old age and grey hairs I am he; I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you. Isaiah 46:4 Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord has laid on him. Isaiah 53:4-6 We need strength for three things: First of all, we need Gods strength to help us conquer sin. To conquer and defeat sin we must resist Satan. Resisting Satan means opposing him, turning away from him, waging a war against him and the temptations that he throws at us, with all our might. Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:7 In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. Hebrews 12:4
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Secondly, we need strength to face adversities in our lives and to overcome them. With your help I can advance against a troop; with my God I can scale a wall. Psalm 18:29 Thirdly, we need strength to bear with the failings of the weak. St Paul, the Apostle writes to the Romans (chapter 15), We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. Each of us should please our neighbours for their good, to build them up. Romans 15:1-2 Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom I delight. Isaiah 42:1 St Paul in his letter to Thessalonians urges the believers; And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. 1 Thessalonians 5:14 The third City of Refuge was Hebron. Hebron means Fellowship.
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Acts chapter 2, verse 42 informs us, They devoted themselves to the apostles teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Acts 2:42 Believers in the first century understood and experienced the true spirit of fellowship. Apostle John tells what fellowship is in his words; We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. 1 John 1:3 Only when there is a fellowship with God and His son Jesus Christ, can there be fellowship with others. This relationship with God is lost when sin enters our lives. Fellowship with God is lost because of sin! Love is the foundation of fellowship. If there is no love there is no fellowship. As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. John 15:9 The growth of Christianity can be traced to the extraordinary bond of love amongst the followers of Jesus
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Christ. It is the visible expression of Gods family on earth. Unfortunately now the so called Christians and the so called believers act as Satans puppets accusing each other, slandering and belittling each other instead of growing in love. The condition of the so- called believers raise concern, as their attitudes and behaviour damage harmony. Prejudice and discrimination, damage wrought by slanderous tongues and by foolish words, inappropriate desire for power and position, selfish ambitions, envy and jealousy, partiality and ignoring others - all these dictate the behaviour of people and cause conflict in fellowships. Love and unity in fellowships are lost because of these. If we could return to the paths of innocent love, maintaining unity, harmony and tolerance through the bond of peace to make Hebron a personal experience, then that will be a blessed experience.

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Chapter 9
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1 God provided six Cities of Refuge. They were Kedesh, Shechem, Hebron, Bezer, Ramoth and Golan. These six cities paint a wonderful picture of the provision of God and at the same time they foreshadow Jesus Christ. Bezer was the fourth City of Refuge. It literally means fortress, stronghold, or rock. Prophet Nahum says in chapter 2, verse 1 of his book; An attacker advances against you, Nineveh. Guard the fortress, watch the road, brace yourselves, marshal all your strength. Fortress is a symbol of strength and protection. We read about fortresses in Psalms 91, I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust. Psalm 91:2 Again the Psalmist sings, Blessed are those whose strength is in you, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage. Psalm 84:5
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King David, while celebrating his victory over his enemies sang, The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. Psalm 18:2 Bezer suggests the sure and definite protection, the strength and the victory we have in Jesus Christ. Jesus is the Bezer, whose strength never fails. St. Paul the apostle says, Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armour of God, so that you can take your stand against the devils schemes. Ephesians 6:10-11 This powerful protection of God is symbolized in the wall of protection all around Job, mentioned in the book of Job. Satan argues with God; Have you not put a hedge around him and his household and everything he has? Job 1:10 God protected his prophet Elisha from the king of Aram. The king of Aram plotted the capture of Elisha and sent horses and chariots and a great army by night, which surrounded the city of Dothan. When Elishas servant saw this, he cried out, Alas, my master! What shall we do?
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Dont be afraid, the prophet answered. Those who are with us are more than those who are with them. And Elisha prayed, Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see. Then the Lord opened the servants eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. 2 Kings 6:16-17 Prophet Zechariah had a vision that depicted Gods provision of protection as a wall of fire. Run, tell that young man, Jerusalem will be a city without walls because of the great number of people and animals in it. And I myself will be a wall of fire around it, declares the Lord. Zechariah 2:4-5 In his letter to Philippians, Apostle Paul talks about the empowering strength from Christ. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13 Ramoth was the fifth City of Refuge. Ramoth means exaltation, heights. In the Scriptures, God is depicted as the most high and the exalted. Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. Psalm 91:1
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In the great testimony of His coming exaltation, St. Paul says that Jesus has been given the name above every name. His name was exalted far above every other name. Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:9-11. Before His crucifixion, Jesus prepared his eleven disciples for the coming events. Jesus explained to them that He would soon return to heaven, which is the house or abode of God the Father. He was assuring them that in returning to heaven, He would be preparing a place for them there, where they could be with Him again. John 14:3 states, And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. Jesus Christ will come again in glory to take us to that most high place! Apostle Paul writes in his letter to Thessalonians; For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel
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and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 Exaltation also denotes the heights, the experience of spiritual summits by the spirit. Ramoth symbolizes the experience of fullness of spiritual heights. Worshipping God on acquiring great abundance of life, in fullness of love which leads to the experience of plenitude of the Spirit - this is Ramoth. Fullness of the spirit is abundance and fullness of love. It is not merely receiving any gifts. It is the well abounding fruits of the spirit such as love, happiness and peace. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Galatians 5:22 Praise abounds when the fullness and warmth of worship overflows. We reach the meritorious and exemplary heights of a blessed Christian life when we abound in the fruits of the spirit. We should not remain like babies forever, without developing in body, mind or spirit. How painful will it be to our Lord, if remain as babies without any advancement or timely progress? We should endeavour and strive to reach the heights which God wants us to attain. It is desirable to sprint to the altitudes of Gods aspirations about us.
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Golan was the sixth City of Refuge. The word Golan has three meanings. One Two Three Happiness / Joy. Circle. Completeness

Firstly, Golan is happiness and joy. There is happiness in this world, when we live on earth. But, there is much more than mere earthly happiness - there is eternal happiness which is never ending. Today there are tears. Yet, there comes a day when all the tears would be wiped off. Today there is debt. In heaven both the indebted and the affluent enjoy glorious liberty. There would be no desperation, struggle or the pressure to repay the debts. There would be no worries, anxieties or fears. Concerns about various ailments and debilities and about their alleviation, would be totally absent there. There would be no more tears, no mourning, no poverty, no sorrow or miseries or fears. Nor will there be tribulations, infirmities, persecutions, losses, misfortunes, wretchedness, doubts or pangs of diseases. In heaven, there would be pure rejoicing and glorious happiness. Many defects which mar our happiness in this world would be no more in heaven. The awful death that tears us apart would be no more. Nor would there be long and sorrowful farewells, remorse, agonies, painful separations, loneliness or heart break.
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There would be endless eternal happiness. Just overflowing celestial joy! There would be absolute freedom, originating from pure love which takes away every fear. A place aflame with true fellowship in the freedom of love! Heaven is a land of love, unity and harmony. It is a haven of perfect happiness. Heaven is a place of holy calm and trust.There will be no dissatisfactions, grumblings, despair, weariness, distress, annoyance, exasperations or emptiness. In heaven we are energized, invigorated, refreshed, rested, joyful and peaceful. Heaven is the shore of eternal calm, peace and happiness. Dear friend, our ships floating upon the seas of this world are nearing the calm harbour. No more storms of frustrations or temptations; no more storms of trepidation; no more storms of fears, doubts and worries, no more storms of troubles, trials and tribulations. The ship is pulling towards the safe and calm harbour! Golan also means - Circle. God sets up a circle of protection around us into which no one can enter. Inside that circle lives Gods beloved people, their relatives, family, and next-of-kin. There everyone lives together in harmony. In Gods circle we are no longer strangers or sojourners, but are fellow citizens of the household of Calvary. The extended family from Golgotha and the members of Calvary family live together in that circle. There would be no parenthood there. All are brothers or sisters in Christ. Husband and wife live as siblings, so does father and son. All are the sons and daughters of God Almighty. There would be no more death or sorrow or
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weeping or pain in that dwelling. The essence of this heavenly family is love. Blissful and glorious love, binding everyone together! The ineffable sea of Gods love from which abundant streams of blessings and grace flow! Golan has yet another meaning - Completeness. We are complete in Jesus. Christ is a completely sufficient and completely adequate refuge. There would not be any one handicapped, deficient, imperfect, incomplete, lacking, needy, or wanting anything. There would be no blind, no deaf, and no dumb; all are perfect, flawless and complete in this city. Every single one of the six Cities of Refuge gives supreme lessons in spirituality. All the Cities of Refuge are to be regarded as having a spiritual meaning and reference. The names of these cities speak of the experiences of a believer in Christ. A believer who attains the experience of the first City of Refuge - Kadesh which is sanctification as well as righteousness, then move on to the second Shechem. There the believer receives the One who takes him on His shoulders. He acquires strength and he hands over all his burdens onto the mighty shoulders of Lord Jesus. Such a believer then enters into a fellowship and communion with God and His people - the experience of Hebron; the third City of Refuge. Next, he goes through what the fourth city; Bezer holds - the full protection of the fortress and the safety and security in God. It is then that he exalts on to the heights; the exalted experience of the fifth city - Ramoth. The heights of spirituality! At the end, he
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merges and melts into the overflowing joy and happiness of Golan and rejoices in the celestial and eternal kingdom with Jesus, the King of Kings. 1. Kedesh 3. Hebron 4. Bezer 5. Ramoth 6. Golan Righteousness, justification Shoulder Fellowship Fortress Heights Happiness

2. Shekhem -

When looking at the people fleeing to the Cities of Refuge and abiding there safely, one thing is evident. It is people who once committed a crime - murder or manslaughter; who have sought refuge in these cities. The most dreadful and atrocious sinners are the ones who have found refuge in the Cities of Refuge. These Cities of Refuge foreshadow the holy feet of Jesus. He died for the guilty, for the deliberate sinner. A sinner finds refuge at his feet. There we have the safest abode; we are able to find security there! At his feet, the scent of fragrant oil lingers. The fragrant odour of the Holy Spirit drifts there. When listening to the blessed and soothing words emerging from the sweet lips of Jesus, we perceive the perfumed scent of the fragrant oil emanating from the holy wounds of Jesus. On inhaling the celestial and ethereal perfume oozing from the wounds, the poor sinner seeks its origin. The most wretched sinner who is lost and ruined, hastens to search for the origin of that calming fragrance.
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He faces many barriers and his journey is obstructed by many people. Soldiers attack him, mock and ridicule him looking down on him with sarcasm and contempt. They surround him and hinder his onward journey. Amid the shouts and jeers of these people, he hurried away and finally reaches Golgotha. What did he see there? Jesus, whose bleeding heart was opened wide; Jesus, whose bosom was pierced with a spear; Jesus, whose ruptured wounds were still oozing blood! Stunned and unable to speak, he stood there watching Jesus who died on the cross for his sins. He started to slowly comprehend that Jesus willingly came into this world to give His life as a ransom, to redeem a fallen man through the holy blood he shed on the cross. When he fathomed the depths of Christs sacrifice to redeem a sinner and to save him by shedding his own blood, the wretched sinner could no longer delay praising and glorifying Jesus at the top of his voice. With jubilant shouts of joy and praise he worships God, Hallelujah! Nin murivukalil ninneetten Mooron manamen naatha Ninnadharangalaho ! pattin noolodothulloo. Kanmaan vannorenne bhadar chutti Golgothayikkavare vittodi. Ninmaarvu thurannum, raktham Vaarnnum kanden kjan Kurisaaladiyaare kaakkum Nadhanayi sthothram, Hallelujah, attahasikkunnen.
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This is the true worship in the City of Refuge! This is the true happiness in the fellowship there! This is the pure rejoicing in the City of Refuge! The immovable faith in the security and safety offered by the City of Refuge! The fullness and completeness of the most affectionate Gods grace! This is the proclamation of peace with conviction and joy in the City of Refuge! Dear child of God, have you sought refuge today in the City of Refuge which is at the holy feet of Jesus? There you will find security; there you will find peace from the burdensome pressures of guilt, and relief from the deepest condemnation. Are fear and snares of sin driven away from you? Have you been delivered from the slavery of sin? Has Satan who had a foothold in your life because of your sins, fled from you hanging his head in shame? Are you convinced that even your most appalling and horrible sins were forgiven? Is your heart brimming with the real joy, healing and peace coming from Gods forgiveness of your sins? Is gratitude and thankfulness springing up from your relieved heart, on escaping from the drawn gleaming sword of blood avenger? Are your lips merrily singing praises to your saviour? The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms. Deuteronomy 33:27

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Chapter 10
And a highway will be there; it will be called the Way of Holiness. The unclean will not journey on it; it will be for those who walk on that way; wicked fools will not go about on it. Isaiah 35:8 The first characteristic feature of Cities of Refuge is their easy accessibility. These cities which God graciously provided for a manslayer accidently killing someone were designated in areas which were easy to access. The nearest city could always be reached by the manslayer within six hours. Any sinner can rush to Jesus any time and find refuge in Him. He is always accessible. The sin of man led to the crucifixion of sinless Jesus Christ. Hence, every sinner crucified Him personally. Each and every sinner is the assassin or murderer of Jesus. Nearly 750 years before Christs birth, the Prophet Isaiah wrote; I offered my back to those who beat me, my cheeks to those who pulled out my beard; I did not hide my face from mocking and spitting. Isaiah 50:6 Apostle Peter wrote about the death of Jesus for our sins;
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He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. 1 Peter 2:24 The one who seeks refuge in a City of Refuge is usually a murderer or killer. But, with regard to Jesus Christ, the one who suffered death; the very same Jesus Christ is the City of Refuge. Have you ever considered that Christ died for you personally? Anyone who is convinced that Jesus suffered for his sins and was crucified for his sins can flee to Him, the City of Refuge. Any sinner who believes that sinless Jesus died on the cross, bearing the guilt and punishment for his sin, can go to Jesus and caress his holy wounds and kiss them tearfully. The tribes of Gad and Reuben, and the half tribe of Manasseh settled on the lands east of the River Jordan. Thus three Cities of Refuge were located on the east side of Jordan. The remaining nine and a half tribes settled in the land west of Jordan and the other three Cities of Refuge were located there. Secondly the Cities of Refuge were not distributed proportionately among the tribes. Three of the cities were west of the River Jordan, where nine and a half Israelite tribes settled, and the other three were on the east of the Jordan River distributed among the remaining two and a half Israelite tribes. Each city was within half a days travel from the surrounding tribes. This shows that the salvation provided by Jesus Christ is equally available to all.
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God commanded the appointment of six Cities of Refuge through Moses. Build roads to them and divide into three parts the land the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance, so that anyone who kills a man may flee there (to the City of Refuge). Deuteronomy 19:3 In the Living Bible the same verse is depicted as Keep the roads to these cities in good repair. Proper roads were to be built and maintained to the Cities of Refuge, so that a fugitive who seeks refuge in any of these cities could easily access them. Thus Moses commanded the building of not just footpaths, but spacious highways to the Cities of Refuge. The law specified that no one should be barred from entering the Cities of Refuge. It was made sure that the roads leading to these cities were clear from obstructions and always open to the traveller. Bridges were built across every river and ravine on the highways, as no one running for refuge would have to waste time or face any delay while fleeing. The highways were to be rebuilt and repaved every spring after the heavy winter rains so that the road surface would be smooth and easy to run on. Signposts leading to the Cities of Refuge were placed at every crossroads and intersections. The signs were large and spelt the letter REFUGE boldly. It was easily readable even from far away.
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The third feature of the Cities of Refuge was that the city gates were never to be locked. No matter what the time of the day or night, the gates of the City of Refuge were never closed. Even if someone arrived in the middle of the night, they could still enter these cities. This shows a symbolic representation of the doors of Gods grace being left wide open for any sinner to enter at any time. The fourth feature of the Cities of Refuge was that, they were well stocked with provisions for any fugitives who came to stay, possibly for long periods of years. The Cities were not only a place of guaranteed legal protection, but also a place for material provision of foodstuffs and places to live. The fifth feature is explained in the Scriptures, in the book of Numbers Chapter: 35 and in Deuteronomy Chapter: 19. It clearly says that if the killer did not flee to the City of Refuge, there was no other place of guaranteed safety for him. Besides, if he went outside the city once he got there, he was no longer safe or protected from the avenger of blood. The sixth important feature of these Cities was, the entry to the Cities of Refuge was not restricted to Israelites alone, but also to gentiles as well as to strangers! Everybody was welcome in these cities, even non-Jews who were permanent residents of the land. Joshua Chapter 20 verse 9 says; These were the cities designated for all the people of Israel and for the stranger sojourning among them, that anyone who killed a person without intent
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could flee there, so that he might not die by the hand of the avenger of blood, till he stood before the congregation. Hence the stranger as well as the Israelite had the same right to the benefits of these Cities of Refuge. This typifies the great provision in Christ who is accessible to all, regardless of their religion, race, caste, colour, creed or denomination. It doesnt matter who you are, what your ethnic background is, what kind of life you have lead, or whether you belong to any particular religious group. In Him, there is the same justice, the same protection and provision, the same atoning grace and the same salvation, free to all. God proclaimed through His prophet Isaiah; Turn to me and be saved, all you ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other. Isaiah 45:22 Apostle Peter wrote about this very same promise to all - to the whole of human race; The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off - for all whom the Lord our God will call. Acts 2:39 The seventh feature of these Cities was - protection was offered to only those who had killed someone accidentally and not with premeditation. This feature is clearly depicted in both Deuteronomy 4:42 and Numbers 35:11.
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Anyone who had killed a person could flee if he had unintentionally killed his neighbour without malice aforethought. He could flee into one of these cities and save his life. Deuteronomy 4:42 Select some towns to be your Cities of Refuge, to which a person who has killed someone accidentally may flee. Numbers 35:11 However, anyone - whether guilty or not can come to Jesus and find refuge. All have an ever available refuge in Him. The times when men had no guilty consciousness; the times of lack of repentance are overlooked by God. He considers those past times as times of ignorance. He divinely considers the deeds of the past in those ignorant times as accidental mistakes and disregards them. Nevertheless, as Apostle Paul says the only thing to bear in mind is; In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent. Acts 17:30 Now he commands all men everywhere to repent! The eighth feature was that once a refugee reaches the gates of the City of Refuge, he should confess to the elders of the city. He should confess everything without holding anything back. Then he shall be taken into the city and given a place among them.
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When he flees to one of these cities, he is to stand at the entrance of the city gate and state his case before the elders of that city. Then, they are to admit him into their city and give him a place to live with them. Joshua 20:4 He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy. Proverbs 28:13 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 The ninth feature of the Cities of Refuge was, once a refugee manslayer started dwelling in that city, he shall continue to do so until he stands before the assembly for judgement or until the death of the High Priest of that time. The assembly must protect the one accused of murder from the avenger of blood and send him back to the City of Refuge to which he fled. He must stay there until the death of the high priest, who was anointed with the holy oil. Numbers 35:25 He is to stay in that city until he has stood trial before the assembly and until the death of the high priest who is serving at that time. Then he may go back to his own home in the town from which he fled. Joshua 20:6
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The manslayer was safe in the City of Refuge until the death of the anointed high priest, and then he was declared guiltless and allowed to return to his inheritance. Jesus, our High Priest lives for ever. Jesus will never die. therefore, He will always be the eternal refuge for the children of God and they will not come under Gods wrath or condemnation. So those who flee to Him for refuge should always confide in Him and remain in His grace. Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Romans 8:1 The LORD has sworn and will not change his mind: You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek. Psalm 110:4 Jesus, our forerunner, has gone on our behalf, having become a high priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek. Hebrews 6:20 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are - yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 4:15-16 The tenth feature was - if the accused ever goes outside the limits of the City of Refuge to which he has fled and the
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avenger of blood finds him outside the city, the avenger of blood may kill the accused without being guilty of murder. (Numbers 35:26-28) The one who took refuge in that city had to remain there. If he had gone out of its bounds, the revenger of blood had the right to slay him. He was obliged to continue therein. Emphasis is placed upon continuing to abide in Christ, upon coming to Him for refuge. It becomes increasingly difficult and nearly impossible to renew Gods grace in individuals, who have once experienced the divine grace and the power of Gods words in their lives and then have eventually fallen away. Those who had received great blessings and have had exalted religious experiences, when retracts and moves away from God recrucifies the Son of God and puts Him to open shame. We see this in Hebrews and in the writings of Apostle Peter: It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age, if they fall away, to be brought back to repentance, because to their loss they are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting him to public disgrace. Hebrews 6:4-6 If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, but
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only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God. Hebrews 10:26-27 If they have escaped the corruption of the world by knowing our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and are again entangled in it and overcome, they are worse off at the end than they were at the beginning. 2 Peter 2:20 The eleventh feature: No ransom should be accepted for setting free a manslayer seeking refuge in the cities. Do not accept a ransom for the life of a murderer, who deserves to die. He must surely be put to death. Do not accept a ransom for anyone who has fled to a City of Refuge and so allow him to go back and live on his own land before the death of the high priest. Numbers 35: 31-32 Salvation through Christ cannot be bought for a price or anything valuable. We were not redeemed with corruptible or perishable things; redemption is only possible through the holy blood of Christ. Therefore, nothing but the precious blood of Jesus Christ is sufficient ransom to deliver a soul from sin. St Peter says: May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money! Acts 8:20 Justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. Romans 3:24
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For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. 1 Peter 1:18-19 You were slain, and with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. Revelation 5:9 The twelfth feature was that someone who had sought refuge in the Cities of Refuge should there-on be associated with those who have already found refuge and salvation, by reaching the city before him. Likewise believers are not to associate with unbelievers in the fellowship of the faith, or intermix with unbelievers and participate in their ways. In other words they should be set apart from others. In the following passage Apostle Paul makes it clear that the believers must not associate themselves with unbelievers but must be separate, detached and undefiled; Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? 2 Corinthians 6:14 He continues,
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What harmony is there between Christ and Belialb? What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For, we are the temple of the living God. It is written, I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people. Therefore come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. 2 Corinthians 6:14-17 Apostle Peter says again, With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, Save yourselves from this corrupt generation. Acts 2:40 Dear friend, are you willing to separate yourself from the defiled and immoral ways and situations leading to impurity? The glorious worship and fellowship of children of God who have experienced the joy of salvation in the City of Refuge is magnificent and beyond words. Submit yourself to that fortunate and blessed position now, without delay. Bid farewell to sin and start a new life. Rest in the safety of the City of Refuge! And attain eternal and glorious joy!

*****
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Chapter 11
Should Abner have died as the lawless die? 2 Samuel 3:33 Then the King said to his men, Do you not realize that a prince and a great man has fallen in Israel this day? 2 Samuel 3:38 This poignant lamentation was by David, known for his diverse skills as a warrior, a mighty king, Israels melodious musician and composer of psalms. This brief elegy mentions about the pathetic death of a person, who failed to enter the City of Refuge. He was very near it, within reach of the gates of the city, but still outside the walls of the City of Refuge! Abner, who served as the commander of Sauls army was the victim of this unprovoked and wicked murder. He was murdered near the gates of Hebron, a City of Refuge. He was taken farther away from the gates and grotesquely murdered! The name of the commander of Sauls army was Abner, son of Ner, and Ner was Sauls uncle. 1 Samuel 14:50 Joab was a nephew of King David, the son of Davids sister Zeruiah. Abishai, Joab and Asahel were the three sons of Zeruiah.
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Their sisters were Zeruiah and Abigail. Zeruiahs three sons were Abishai, Joab and Asahel. 1 Chronicles 2:16 Absalom had appointed Amasa over the army in place of Joab. Amasa was the son of a man named Jether, an Israelite who had married Abigail, the daughter of Nahash and sister of Zeruiah the mother of Joab. 2 Samuel 17:25 During the war between the house of Saul and the house of David, Abner was strengthening his hold on the house of Saul. A rift developed between Abner and Ishbosheth, son of Saul. Following this Abner makes a vow to transfer the kingdom into the hands of David. He then proposed a covenant with King David, who prepared a feast for Abner and his men. Abner pledges his help in gathering Israel unto David and David sent Abner away in peace. Only after Abner was sent away, Joab heard of Abners visit and he learned that Abner joined King Davids side. Joab was filled with hatred and animosity towards Abner for killing his brother Asahel in the battle at Gibeon. Joab had not forgiven Abner for killing his brother and he was burning inwardly with a desire for revenge. Joab became the avenger of blood. This led to the devious murder of Abner by Joab, for personal revenge. This happened outside the city gate of Hebron, when Abner returned from his visit to King David.
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Joab and his brother Abishai murdered Abner because he had killed their brother Asahel in the battle at Gibeon. 2 Samuel 3:26-27, 30 Abner was returning to Mahanaim, on the banks of river Jordan, where he lived. He was killed on his way back there, while he was near Hebron, a City of Refuge. Abner was just outside of the place of safety and security! Joab took him aside from the gateway, as though to speak with him privately. And there, to avenge the blood of his brother Asahel, Joab stabbed him in the stomach, and Abner died. Abner could have run into the City of Refuge when he saw Joab. He would have been protected inside the city of Hebron, but alas he was killed because he had not entered the city. That is what King David mentions in his elegy on the death of Abner. The king sang this lament for Abner: Should Abner have died as the lawless die? Your hands were not bound; your feet were not fettered. You fell as one falls before wicked men. 2 Samuel 3:33-34 This brief elegy expresses the sorrow of King David. He laments with a broken heart - You were right there at the gates of the City of Refuge. All you had to do was walk right in. Nobody had you tied up. As long as he stayed inside the city walls of Hebron, Abner was safe from the avenger of blood, Joab. But through his own neglect and carelessness Abner was lured to death. Abner was not careful, he was
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not cautious. He did not pay enough attention to foresee the treachery of Joab. Abner should have immediately known something was wrong, if he was vigilant. Yet, he was thoughtless and not alert. Beloved friend, turn to Him, when Jesus Christ our City of Refuge, comes near you and pleads with you. Accept Jesus as your Lord and saviour. Receive gratefully the salvation that is offered freely to you. We must pay the most careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. For since the message spoken through angels was binding, and every violation and disobedience received its just punishment, how shall we escape if we ignore so great a salvation? This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard him. God also testified to it by signs, wonders and various miracles, and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will. Hebrews 2:1-4 The reason why the salvation is so great a salvation is because it is a complete deliverance from a severe punishment. It is redemption from death penalty. If you happen to be in the hands of an avenger of blood, there is no escape, you will be killed. Likewise, once when we are trapped in the hands of Satan, our end is doomed to be in the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his followers. Everlasting torture! Eternal suffering!
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Nevertheless, Jesus Christ our eternal City of Refuge is alive even today to redeem us from the eternal torture. Any sinner can enter by faith, into the glory of the heavenly blessing through the cleaved heart of Jesus. That is why Apostle Paul wrote, Making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil Ephesians 5:16 As Gods fellow workers we urge you not to receive Gods grace in vain. For he says, In the time of my favour I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you. I tell you, now is the time of Gods favour, now is the day of salvation. 2 Corinthians 6:1-2 This is what the LORD says: In the time of my favour I will answer you, and in the day of salvation I will help you; I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people, to restore the land and to reassign its desolate inheritances. Isaiah 49:8 This is the time of favour when the spirit of God is striving, debating and reasoning with us. Then the LORD said,
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My Spirit will not contend with man forever, for he is mortal; his days will be a hundred and twenty years. Genesis 6:3 The Living Bible translates the same verse as My spirit must not forever be disgraced in man; wholly evil as he is. I will give one hundred and twenty years to mend his ways. How foolish will we be, if we fail to use this valuable unique opportunity to set our life and affairs in order and amend our ways! Our Lord, Jesus Christ will be sorrowful and weeping when He perceives our pathetic state. As He approached Jerusalem and saw the city, He wept over it and said, If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace - but now it is hidden from your eyes. The days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment against you and encircle you and hem you in on every side. They will dash you to the ground, you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of Gods coming to you. Luke 19: 41-44 Just as Jesus wept as He saw Jerusalem city, He will weep seeing us. I once heard a story like this: Once, a man was travelling through a dense forest. A
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river flowed through the middle of the forest. While he stood by the side of the river, he spotted a huge honeycomb in a rock cleft on the opposite bank. He clambered on to a high tree that grew on the river bank and saw a rope swinging from a tree branch. He descended down the rope and started swaying and swinging back and forth across the river in the air. After several attempts, he managed to reach across the river to the cleft with honey comb, on the opposite bank. He started drinking the honey from the honey comb. The rope still continued to swing back and forth. So he sat there and kept on devouring the sweet honey to his contentment. Finally, when he was too full to have anymore, he turned around to get hold of the rope o go back. Alas! The rope had stopped swaying and swinging and was hanging still in the middle of the river. What a pity! He could have gone back while the rope was still swinging to and fro. He was negligent and unmindful of the rope slowing down, whilst he was fully engrossed in relishing the sweetness of honey. He became very anxious and sat there apprehensively for a long time thinking of ways to escape. At the end, he jumped into the overflowing river hoping to swim across it. Unfortunately his attempt was in vain and he drowned to death in the strong currents of the river. Most respected friend, today the rope of grace is still swinging towards you. It is near you and if you lose this valuable and worthy time, the swinging of the rope of divine
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grace may stop. You will be left to eternal destruction and doom. Today, the City of Refuge is near you. Today, if you are willing, you can enter the City of Refuge and be saved. The king sang this lament for Abner: Should Abner have died as the lawless die? Your hands were not bound; your feet were not chained. 2 Samuel 3:33, 34. Friends, today people may restrain you by chains, nonetheless these chains are removable and they are breakable. All you need is your own will power to make a decision. Others may mock you; they may ridicule you and call you a coward and a useless person. They may slander you. They may try to unnecessarily find fault with you and accuse you of things you are totally unaware of. Make haste and start fleeing. Flee to the City of Refuge and enter it. Because, An attacker advances against you, Guard the fortress, watch the road, brace yourselves, and marshal all your strength! Nahum 2:1 The prophet instructs what to do as the avenger of blood can come any time and that too very soon, to destroy you. He calls upon to mourn in the deepest manner in the following verses; O my people put on sackcloth and roll in ashes; mourn with bitter wailing as for an only son, for suddenly the destroyer will come upon us. Jeremiah 6:26
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There was no need for Abner to die as a fool. He had reached the city gates of Hebron. How about you? You have gained an awareness of the way to get there. You know and realize what holiness and purity is. You have become conscious of the treacherous ways of sin and how sin tries to enter your life. You understand how to keep away from sins, how to give up sins and how to repent broken heartedly. You know very well now that, if you enter Hebron the avenger of blood cannot touch you. God has given you enough wisdom to understand all these. Joab is waiting to take you away from the gates of the City of Refuge. Escape from his hands and enter Hebron. Joab is a crooked and treacherous person. He tries to deceive you. He invites you to move away from the city gates to speak to you privately. His sole aim is to intentionally get you away from Hebron. Dont fall into that trap. There is yet another person who could have avoided death penalty by abiding in the City of Refuge. This person is Shimei, a character in the book of Kings. He was murdered for stepping out of the bounds of the City of Refuge. Shimei was a member of the family of King Saul. He opposed the ascension of David to the throne of Israel. When Davids son, Absalom gained the upper hand in his bid to replace his father on the throne, King David had to flee Jerusalem. Adding to Davids humiliation Shimei ran parallel to the road, cursing David and pelting dirt and stones at him. After Davids death Solomon pardoned Shimei and asked him not to leave Jerusalem.
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Then King Solomon said to Shimei, Build yourself a house in Jerusalem and live there, but do not go anywhere else. The day you leave and cross the Kidron Valley, you can be sure you will die; your blood will be on your own head. 1 Kings 2:36-37 But then later on it says: At this, he saddled his donkey and went to Achish at Gath in search of his slaves. So Shimei went away and brought the slaves back from Gath.When Solomon was told that Shimei had gone from Jerusalem to Gath and had returned, the king summoned Shimei and said to him, Did I not make you swear by the Lord and warn you, On the day you leave to go anywhere else, you can be sure you will die? At that time you said to me, What you say is good. I will obey. Why then did you not keep your oath to the Lord and obey the command I gave you? The king also said to Shimei, You know in your heart all the wrong you did to my father David. Now the Lord will repay you for your wrongdoing. But King Solomon will be blessed, and Davids throne will remain secure before the Lord forever. Then the king gave the order to Benaiah son of Jehoiada, and he went out and struck Shimei down and killed him. 1 Kings 2:40-46
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Shimei would not have been murdered, if he had stayed in the secure city. Christ is our shelter. He is our place of security. He is our City of Refuge. Please do not go away from this City of Refuge. Continue to abide in Jesus Christ, the eternal City of Refuge. There was once a very rich man who was overwhelmed by a fear of death. He constructed an underground mansion worth millions of dollars, designed to resist even an attack by atom bombs. A famous preacher, Morris Cerrillo was invited for the house warming ceremony of this rich mans mansion. This rich man proudly took the preacher to all the rooms of his house. Each and every room reflected the latest technology and security used in its design and construction. Precautions were taken to resist any sort of attack. Walls were made of the strongest metals to make them as secure as possible. After seeing the entire building, the preacher told that millionaire: I have made an even more secure, yet less costly house. That house is very strong. It is built with feathers from wings! He then showed the puzzled millionaire the fourth verse of Psalm 91, He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. Psalm 91:4
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Just as denoted by these bible verses we can stand competently and say Blessed are those whose strength is in you, in whose hearts are the highways to Zion. Psalm 84:5 (English Standard Version). Dear friend, have you found refuge in Jesus Christ? Are you firmly convinced that your only refuge; your sole refuge is in Jesus Christ? Right now, you can tell Jesus; Jesus, from today onwards I am your sole property. From today onwards I will love you and start living as a new creation. Amen. *****

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OTHER BOOKS BY THE AUTHOR

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Amruthadhara Aantharika Saanthi Subha Bhavi Saanthi Theeram Madhu Mozhi Mukthi Margham Nithya Visranthi Nirapara Jaya Jeevitham

10. Viswasa Jeevitham 11. Vadamalar 12. Divyaradhana 13. Enikku Kudippan Tharumo? 14. Neethiman Aakunnathengane? 15. Thuranna Vathil 16. Varavum Chilavum 17. Daivarajyam 18. Amruthadhara (English) 19. Orthukolvin 20. Kristhuvil 21. Parisudhathmavu
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22. Parisudhathma Vyaparam 23. Parisudhathma Sakthi 24. Uthama Geetham 25. Sanketha Nagarangal 26. Marubhoomiyile Neerpoika 27. Yona 28. Pachavellam Veenjakki 29. Kereethinte Vakkil 30. Ethratholam Randu Thoniyil? 31. Eliyavinte Daivam Evide? 32. Pravachakanalla Pravachaka Sishyanumalla 33. Mudramothiramakkum 34. Enikku Kazhcha Prapikkenam 35. Enikku Ashakku Vakayundo? 36. Inner Peace (English) 37. Avarkku Bhakshippan Koduppin 38. Glittering Future (English) 39. Ekanthathayude Andhatha 40. Streams in the Desert (English) 41. Way to Liberation (English) 42. Ninte Mrithanmar Jeevikkum 43. Vannu Prathal Kazhichukolvin 44. Enne Thottathar? 45. Soukyamakuvan Manassundo?

46. Athu Sahikkunnavan Aar? 47. Enne Aar Viduvikkum? 48. Nanmayude Panapathram 49. Prathyasayude Prabhatham 50. Iniyum Vaikanamo? 51. Are You Willing To Be Healed? (English) 52. Kanneerppadam (Part I) 53. Kanneerppadam (Part II) 54. Beside Cherith (English) 55. Yahovayude Bhujangal 56. Kanneeru Thorumo? 57. Kanneerkkanangal 58. Ellam Nanmaykku 59. Aasayin Prakasam 60. Kashtangal Saramilla 61. Ninte Grahakaaryam Kramathilakkuka 62. Njan Engane Kandu Sahikkum 63. Uthsavam 64. Athyunnathante Maravil 65. Iniyum Tholkkanamo? 66. Marananantharavastha 67. Marikkatha manushyarundo? 68. Choola Pole Kathunna Divasam 69. Girinirakal *****

Amruthadhara T.V. Programme

Saturday : Surya T V Sunday Monday Tuesday : Jeevan T V : Jaihind T V : Jaihind T V : 6.30 am - 7.00 am : 6.30 am - 7.00 am : 6.30 am - 7.00 am : 6.30 am - 7.00 am

Message by : Prof. M. Y. Yohannan Former Principal St. Peters College, Kolenchery

CRFs Main Meetings in Kolenchery

2nd Saturday : 9.00 am - 2.00 pm 2nd Sunday : 12.30 pm - 5.00 pm at : (Followed by 2nd Saturday) Mechankara, 3rd Sunday : 12.30 pm - 5.00 pm Prof. M.Y. Yohannans Residence, Mondays : 6.00 pm - 8.00 pm Valethupady Bus Stop, Kolenchery 1st Tuesday : 9.00 am - 12.45 pm Pattimattom Road, (Ladies Meeting) Kadayiruppu Fridays : 6.00 pm - 8.00 pm (Bible Class) at : 1st & IIIrd Wednesdays (Young Men Meet) : 6.30 pm - 9.00 pm Chanthiam, Prof. C.M. Mathews Residence, Kolenchery