Christ our city of refuge

How strange are the Psalmist's words in connection with Numbers 35

Why should the nations say,“Where is their God?” Let the avenging of the outpoured blood of your servants be known among the nations before our eyes! (Psalm 79:10)

God, the avenger of blood, will have his justice at the expense of his Son. Our sin demands our death. Christ died for us. When we flee to Him we are given forgiveness and there is forgiveness only in him. The killer could flee to the city of refuge and receive a fair trial. If he was innocent he would be allowed to live in the city. If guilty he would be killed. There was no mercy for the guilty. How glad are you that God has set up Christ as the city of refuge not for the innocent but for the guilty? All murderers flee to Him and be forgiven. All hypocrites run to him and be made true.

God, make your church like the city of refuge. Make us a people that shall rescue the manslayer from the hand of the avenger of blood. Make us a congregation who will restore sinners by the gospel of Jesus Christ. Father, I want your church to be useful in my community. Do not let us sleep in our sin and rot in your pew. Make us like Christ. Make us intentional. Make us powerful. Make us sacrificial. Make us Christ-centered. Make us the body.

Amen