In Joshua 20, God's word teaches that there were cities of refuges set up specifically for those who had accidently with out malice killed someone. A place for them to flee and be free from the revenge of anyone. A safe place. Today as I skimmed thru my journal a thought occurred to me. This was a beautiful picture of God's mercy. He made clear rules regarding taking someone's life, then He provides a place of grace. Can you imagine the guilt you'd feel after accidently taking the life of someone else? Can you imagine the brokenness that must consume?
God in His absolute love, is still in the business of providing a place of healing for those who find themselves broken. Sometimes we are wounded by the acts of another and we find ourselves surrounded by people who cheer for us, and minister to us as we heal. Other times we find ourselves broken by our own actions, and there is a tendency to have a "well, you made your bed" mindset, and we can feel completely alone.
However, in Joshua 20, I see that God provides a place of healing for the second group! These people made a bad decision and the result was terrible. And yet, God lovingly provided a safe place of healing for them. A place that had people who truly understood the path you were facing as they had walked it. A place where your pain and sin was clear, and yet you could find rest and peace and comfort. A place where people understood clearly that mistakes can cost much and burdens are heavy.
We no longer have actual places of refuge, instead we have a Person of refuge. God's word say that "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble Psalms 46:1" He is the one we run to and find strength and help. Even when we have caused the mess we find ourselves in! I am so thankful that the goodness of God isn't dependent on the goodness of me. God's love for me is not changed by my actions or decisions. God's faithfulness is steadfast and long suffering. There is nothing I can do that will cause God to not love, because He IS love.
The problem is sometimes we think if you love someone you let them do whatever they want and protect them from any bad consequences. THIS IS NOT LOVE! This is enabling someone to stay on a path that leads to destruction. Love doesn't lead to destruction. Love leads to truth, healing and forgiveness and restoration. God is a redeeming God, who searches long and watches intently for those who are His.
I am so thankful for the love of my Heavenly Father and for the people He has placed in my life that teach me of His love. My husband, Tim, has taught me much about this kind of love. He had the privilege of growing up in a Christ centered home where this love was lived out daily. Where being a Christian was not something set aside for Sunday but lived out daily. A place that wasn't perfect, but grace flowed. And I am blessed because he has brought this into our marriage and home. He does a great job of reflecting the love of God on his family and friends.
Blessed beyond belief and absolutely blown away the great love of my God!
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