Becoming A Place of Refuge1

April 15, 2007

BECOMING A PLACE OF REFUGE!

JOSHUA 20: 1-9

I.                  HISTORICALLY THERE WAS A PLACE!

A.                 The PROVISION was DEMANDED!

Joshua 20: 1 Then the Lord spoke to Joshua, saying . . . 2 designate the cities of refuge, of which I spoke to you through Moses!

B.                 The PROCESS was DESCRIBED!

Joshua 20: 4 He shall flee to one of these cities, and stand at the entrance of the gate . . . and state his case!

C.                 The PERIOD was DETERMINED!

Joshua 20: 6 He shall dwell in that city until . . . the death of the one who is high priest at that time!

II.               SPIRITUALLY THERE IS A PICTURE!

A.                 Our SALVATION

Hebrews 6: 18 . . . we who have taken refuge would have strong encouragement to take hold of the hope set before us!

B.                 Our SECURITY

Hebrews 7: 23 the former priests, on the one hand, existed in greater numbers because they were prevented by death from continuing 24 but Jesus, on the other hand, because He continues forever, holds His priesthood permanently! 25 Therefore He is able also to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them!

C.                 Our SAVIOR

Hebrews 7: 26 For it was fitting for us to have such a high priest, holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners and exalted above the heavens!

1)                  Kedesh: RIGHTEOUSNESS

2)                  Shechem: SHOULDER

3)                  Hebron: FELLOWSHIP

4)                  Bezer: FORTRESS

5)                  Ramoth: HEIGHTS

6)                  Golan: EXILE

III.           CURRENTLY THERE IS A PROCESS!

A.                 The ROADS must be PAVED!

Joshua 20: 4 He shall flee to one of these cities . . .

B.                 The SIGNS must be CLEAR!

Joshua 20: 4 He shall flee to one of these cities . . .

C.                 The GATES must be OPEN!

Joshua 20: 4 . . . and shall stand at the entrance of the gate of the city . . . and they shall take him into the city to them and give him a place, so that he may dwell among them!