Cities of Refuge

Introduction:

· Michigan Penal code 750.102; ORS 811.490: laws reflect our values.

· This text is applying God’s Law (c.f. Deut. 19, Num. 35), which reflect the heart of God.

LET’S LOOK AT GOD’S GRACIOUS PROVISION FOR UNINTENDED SIN, AND HIS GRACIOUS REFUGE FOR UNDESERVING SINNERS.

I) God’s Gracious Provision for Unintended Sin

A. God Distinguishes between Intentional & Unintentional Sin

i. Sometimes, our sin – like Israel’s – is unintended

1. We often focus on willful sin, or weaknesses: theft; temper;

2. But what about unintentionally harming others? (vs. 3)

a. You make a leadership decision that turns out to be a bad one – and people lose their jobs, their livelihoods…

b. You make a left turn, & T-bone another car…

c. A police officer shoots someone he thinks is reaching for a gun, but it turns out to be a cell phone

d. A man swings an axe, the axe head flies off, and kills his colleague

ii. Every loss of life demands justice (see vv. 3, 5, 9)

1. “Bloodguilt”: (even accidental) loss of life à debt to be atoned for

2. In Israel: the “Av. of Blood” was responsible to protect the life/property

3. Our culture rallies – we choose sides, we demand justice,

B. COR’s Provided Refuge to those Who were Accused of Unintentional Sin

i. Cities of Refuge provided a process & refuge(vv. 4-6)

1. The Law allowed for due process

a. Appearing at the city gate to make the case (vs. 4)

b. A trial before the “congregation” (vs. 6)

c. Unintentional, no previous ill-relationship (vv. 3, 5)

2. God’s concern was for shelter for individuals (vs. 6a)

3. God’s Concern was for the Flourishing of Society

a. Justice: no indiscriminate killing; asylum

b. Mercy is shown by offering protection from death

ii. Cancel Culture & a Gracious “City” in our culture

1. “Cancel culture” is built on justice, shame, punishment…w. NO mercy

2. As a church, Christians, we acknowledge sin, & speak mercy

a. Unintended actions cost your business a big client

b. News of a public figure…

c. Officer-involved shooting…

ONE OF THE TOUGH PARTS SHOWING COMPASSION IS THAT IT SOMETIMES FEELS LIKE PEOPLE GETTING OFF THE HOOK.

II) God’s Gracious Refuge For Undeserving Sinners

A. The Cost of Grace:

i. Fleeing to the city…as a refuge (vs. 6)

1. What’s to stop…your employee from making the same mistake? Etc.

2. COR’s weren’t a get-out-of jail free card b/c protection is only in the COR

3. Imagine: leaving family, community, job…living as a refugee

ii. Until a priest died? (vs. 6b)

1. What could release this sentence?

2. The death of a priest that lifted the sentence from the manslayer

B. Jesus, Our True & Greater City of Refuge, releases US from ALL Guilt!

i. We have a true priest who died, to set us free once and for all

1. Good News! Why? MY sins aren’t just intended…but unintended

2. Jesus our T&G high priest, has died, lifting the sentence from us

3. Jesus our T&G COR provides shelter from the bar of God’s justice

ii. The locale of grace: not 6 cities that keep us but infinitely greater! (vv. 7-9)

1. COR’s were a day/two from any place in Israel…

2. Jesus’ pardon is not bound by geography but found in him!

Transition:

Conclusion

As we come to the Lord’s Table, let us find assurance that not only the sins we are aware of, and commit with intention, but also our unintended sins and failures are covered by grace.