Christ in the Community Numbers 35
We often hear “be the change that you desire,” or “be the solution to the problem,” or as Jesus puts It, “do unto others as you would have them do to you.” But how exactly do we do that? Being nice, polite and friendly is not the message this world needs.
Israel had just finished 40 years in the wilderness after coming out of Egypt. They were in the land of Moab and about to cross the Jordan River and take the land of Canaan as their own.
Once the military campaigns were over, they ruled the land, they needed to follow the rule of Law and governance in the new land. The whole reason Canaan was being taken was that the sin of the Canaanites had reached Heaven and their time was done. (Genesis 15:16) The Israelites were called to enact the laws of a holy God in the land. If they didn’t do so, they would fall into the same trap of rebellion and sin which led to the Canaanites losing it to the Israelites. If Israel didn’t keep the land holy by keeping His laws, the Israelites would also be killed and taken into captivity like the previous land holders.
The chapter we just read was God’s way of making sure the land would be kept holy and free from the pollution of sin and idols and an unholy people that had filled the land. This was to be a cleansing. This land was called “Corban” dedicated to the LORD – the God of Israel – the God of Heaven and Earth.
The boundaries were set: from Mt Hor above Mt Hermon – western border Mediterranean Sea, down across brook of Egypt – east of the Nile, across along the east side of the Dead Sea, follow the Jordan River, up to the Sea of Galilee (where Jesus would walk on water over 1400 years later), up to Zedad, then across to Mt Hor and the Mediterranean Sea Coast.
No inheritance for the tribe of Levi - They were the priests for the tabernacle/then temple. They would minister as Levites keeping the Law through the known law – First 5 books of our Bible. They would maintain the feasts, festivals, the Sabbath. Then they would rule over the 6 cities of refuge.
The Cities of Refuge are a reflection of Christ in the community. There were 6 of these cities. 1. Evenly placed so they could be accessed by any Israelite, both sides of the Jordan, roads were wide, flat and easily accessible 2. Unbiased justice was assured The Levites, who had no other inheritance as part of their 48 cities, had these 6. IE they were not tribe biased – the Levite Elders in these cities were to judge every case. 3. They Were Prominent. Most of these cities were built on top of mountains. Most of the cities of ancient Israel were built of white limestone. When the sun hit these cities, they gleamed. Even in the night, under the light of the moon, they would be visible. They were easily seen, even from many miles away. 4. The Gates Were Never Closed - No matter what the time of day or night, the gates on the City of Refuge were never closed. 5. Well Signposted. There were sign posts with the Hebrew word "Miklat" written - meaning "Refuge" There was no need for anyone to misunderstand the way to get there.
Significance in the meaning of the cities
1. Kadesh – Righteousness/Holy - Isaiah 64:4; 2 Corinthians 5:21 (A refuge for the unclean!)
2. Shechem - Shoulder - Luke 15:3-7 (A refuge for broken)
3. Hebron - Fellowship - 1 John 1:7 (A refuge for the lonely)
4. Bezer - Fortress – Ephesians 3:16-20 (A refuge for the helpless)
5. Ramoth – High/Exalted - Ephesians 2:6 (A refuge for the poor)
6. Golan - Joy - 1 Peter 1:8 (A refuge for the downcast)
You could leave that city of refuge when the High Priest of the land died. (verse 32) “And you shall accept no ransom for him who has fled to his city of refuge, that he may return to dwell in the land before the death of the high priest.” This is very symbolic of Christ, who is our High Priest, who has died in our place; now we are free from the captivity of sin. We are only truly free because of His substitutionary death on the cross.
All of these things Christ has done for us, we are His representatives, so we reflect these characteristics. This is Christ in the community. Churches should also be where the corporate gatherings of Christ and His people reflect these characteristics. Remember the Levites and these cities were not part of an earthly inheritance. When the church looks like the world, we are not a Christ centered city of refuge of hope, peace, forgiveness, grace.
The Levites in the other cities are a reflection of us individually as we live in the community. Like the Levites, this world is not our inheritance; Christ is our inheritance. We are called to be the influence of Christ in this world. That is what Jesus meant of being salt and light. So, just as the Levites were scattered in the other 42 cities across Israel, so we are scattered into schools and workplaces, among our neighbours.
We are like these ancient Levites giving out the message of forgiveness and grace in Christ where we live. Many around us are on the run, trying to find a safe hiding place. They need to run to Christ: the only City of Refuge available for the soul. Perhaps it’s you this morning; running from your past or guilt, no matter where you try to hide in relationships, or the passing pleasure of recreation; nothing satisfies. Perhaps everything is actually going OK on the outside for you, but you know there is something missing in your life. You lack purpose, you lack direction, rather than redeeming the time, you are wasting it. Don’t seek a worldly answer for a spiritual problem. This earth and all the works in it are like wood, hay and stubble, only going to be burned up. Don’t seek the living among the dead, this world has no answers for you, my friend. Flee to Christ. Run to Him. He is your shield, your protector, your defender.
What is your hiding place? What is your bolt hole: the place you go where you can escape the world and find a place of solace, rest and peace? For those of us who have very small children that bolt hole becomes non-existent.
But we can’t run from the Avenger of blood. God the Father requires the Law to be kept perfectly. If you don’t find refuge in Christ, the Avenger of Blood is still after you. You see, you are guilty this morning. Just as the man slayer didn’t kill someone on purpose, it was unintentional, you had no choice when you were born in sin. “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3) The payment of that sin is eternal separation from God in Hell – death. The Avenger of Blood is God Himself. He either takes his vengeance on you (“Vengeance is mine says the Lord”), or He includes you with those who have been forgiven of their sin, because he took vengeance upon his Son at the cross. Christ Alone is our City of Refuge.