March 28, 2017. Joshua 19-21.

 

There is a lot of land to be distributed during this time, a lot of land.  In Joshua chapter 20 however, there is a break in land distribution to set aside cities of refuge.

God is our designated “city of refuge.”  No matter what you have done, who you are, your political stance, He is standing waiting for you to run into His arms and be secured.  

Joshua 20:2-4

2 “Tell the Israelites to designate the cities of refuge, as I instructed you through Moses, 3 so that anyone who kills a person accidentally and unintentionally may flee there and find protection from the avenger of blood. 4 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. 

Those who found refuge in these cities were required to stand trial.  You are still accountable for your actions, BUT God (which are the two sweetest words) is a God of love and forgiveness.  

Psalm 9:9

The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed,

    a stronghold in times of trouble.

In these three chapters, and the six leading up to them, this land is being divided among the nations of Israel.  NINE chapters.  It took years for this division of land to happen; for the nations of Israel to inherent the land the Lord had promised them.  Generations passed away and never got to see the promises of the Lord come to pass.  That may seem like a bummer, but everything happens in God’s perfect timing.  And if He has ordained it, it will come to fruition. 

Joshua 21:44-45

44 The Lord gave them rest on every side, just as he had sworn to their ancestors. Not one of their enemies withstood them; the Lord gave all their enemies into their hands. 45 Not one of all the Lord’s good promises to Israel failed; every one was fulfilled.

God’s promises have never, and will never fail.  He has a plan for you and so many promises for your life that can be found throughout His word.

Surrender your life to the Lord and His plans for you, and rest in knowing that He always fulfills his promises.  Seek Him and ask Him to guide you down the path He has laid out for you.