Joshua 20:1-9

We will look at the six cities of refuge, but first, let us look at other references to our Lord Jesus Christ:

• Christ a Hiding Place (Isaiah 32:1-4).

Here is a line of Scripture that shows us that a Man shall be a Hiding Place from the wind, a Covert from the tempest; as rivers of water in a dry place, as the shadow of a great rock in the weary land. How wonderful are God’s similes. He delights to draw lessons from nature.

The story before us is the story of Christ as King. During the past twenty centuries the Children of Israel in many parts of the world have become accustomed to flee when no man pursued. They lie in constant fear of enemies lurking in their pathway. But their fears have proven real, as millions were killed eighty years ago in the Holocaust, and antisemitism and Jew-hatred is on the rise worldwide today. How wonderful it will be when Christ the King shall reign in righteousness, and His people shall no longer be afraid.

• Christ a Covert (Isaiah 16:1-5).

This time we find that Christ has established the throne of Israel in mercy, and He is sitting upon that throne in truth. It is then that these words will be fulfilled which are written to the outcasts of Israel: “‘Be Thou a covert [shelter] to them from the face of the spoiler’” (16:4).

Just before the fulfillment of this gracious word, Israel will be under the throes of the antichrist who is the “spoiler” of this Scripture. Never has Israel in all her checkered history suffered as she will suffer in the day of her coming tribulation. How blessed, therefore, is the promise of the Lord Jesus as her covert from the one who has spoiled her.

• Christ a Shadow (Isaiah 4:5, 6).

In the day of Israel’s restoration and peace, once again the Lord will create “above every dwelling place of Mount Zion, and above her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day and the shining of a flaming fire by night” (v. 5). How graphic is the description, and how wonderful the outlook, “And there shall be a tabernacle for shade in the daytime from the heat, for a place of refuge, and for a shelter from storm and rain” (v. 6).

• Christ a Shelter (Psalm 61:2-6).

Here is a personal experience of David. We all love the words, “Lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For You have been a shelter for me, a strong tower from the enemy” (vv. 2, 3). Here is a promise that may be ours in every trying circumstance.

• Christ a Fortress (Psalm 71:1-5).

David is speaking a prayer for safety. He says, “Be my strong refuge, to which I may resort continually.” Then he adds, “For You are my Rock and my Fortress.”

What assurance this is! Truly, there is no temptation that will be able to overwhelm us, for God is at hand, a Way to escape.

• Christ our Pavilion (Psalm 27:3-7.

Here is a confidence that satisfies. “Though an army may encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war may rise against me, in this I will be confident” (v. 3). Where is the secret of the Psalmist’s security? Even this: “For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion; in the secret place of His tabernacle He shall hide me; He shall set me high upon a rock” (v. 5).

Let us take courage both to do and to dare for God. He will be our Stay, and under His wings we may trust. There is for us a Refuge.

“O safe to the Rock that is higher than I,

My soul in its conflicts and sorrows would fly;

So sinful, so weary, Thine, Thine, would I be,

Thou blest ‘Rock of Ages,’ I’m hiding in Thee.”

Guard your heart. Teach your children. Watch and pray.