REFUGE
Suggested Reading: Numbers 35-36 (Tomorrow we start the book of Acts)
(click scripture link to read online)
The Convent of Pater Noster is on the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem. It is located at the site of the ruins of the "Eleona" Basilica, built in the 4th Century by Constantine over a cave where, according to tradition, Jesus hid with his disciples and taught the "Our Father" ("Pater Noster" in Latin). The walls of this convent are decorated with 140 large ceramic tiles, each one inscribed with the Lord's Prayer in a different language.
Key Verses Numbers 35:11 & 35:34
then you shall appoint cities to be cities of refuge for you, that the manslayer who kills any person accidentally may flee there…Therefore do not defile the land which you inhabit, in which I dwell; for I the Lord dwell among the children of Israel.
Moses provided for a fair trial for the crime of manslaughter, or accidentally killing a person. Capital punishment by execution for murder was within the powers assigned to the state. All of us need a place of refuge. Jesus and His disciples are thought to have used the cave under the convent pictured above as their place of refuge from the misguided religious authorities. We also have a place of refuge! (Hebrews 6:17-20) Thank you, Reynold, for great photos!
After we complete the Book of Acts, we will read in the next Hebrew books that the people again and again defiled the land. Before we judge them too harshly, we need to look at our own lives. Are we defiling the place where God lives? We should live in a state of repentance, a godly sorrow for sin, so that we are constantly cleansed from sin. 1 John 1:7b tells us, “The blood of Jesus Christ, His Son, cleanses us from all sin.”
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Lord God, I run daily into You for refuge. Keep me dwelling in You constantly, because in You is protection and Salvation. Dear Jesus, You promised that, as I have invited You into my heart, that You would live in me. I need constant cleaning so that Your dwelling place will not be defiled. Today I’m praying Paul’s prayer for the believers in Ephesus (click Ephesians 3:14-21). Amen!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
My son, Ron helps me every day with my blog. Yesterday, for example, he put the speech of Prime Minister Harper into the blog so that all of us hear the reason why, in our recent visit to Israel, people everywhere said, “Your Prime Minister is the best friend Israel has.” Ron, as you read this before it’s posted, please write “100 Personal Words” from yourself…
Hi folks, Ron here. I was surprised this morning to read Dad’s “100 Personal Words” section and discover that Dad wanted me to write it! It’s my privilege to help out Dad with his daily blog and add links where needed. In yesterday’s blog, the link to Prime Minister Harper’s past speech about Israel did not make it to the email version…so I will include it again (click here). It was a wonderful experience for my wife Ann and me to assist Dad and Mom on their recent tour to Israel. Although the military conflict heated up while we were there, we felt safe. Our group took the opportunity to do as Scripture says and “pray for the peace of Jerusalem” (Psalm 122:6). On the way to the airport for our return flight, we got word that a cease-fire agreement had been signed. We all rejoiced in this answer to prayer. Let’s keep praying for a more complete resolution to the deep-seated hostilities between Israel and the Palestinians. Ann and I look forward to leading many future tours to the Land of the Bible!
Honoured to walk through the pages of Scripture with Dad and you,
Ron
Thank you David and Ron for your wonderful words today, and to Reynold for continual great photographic contributions! It would be a dream of a lifetime to travel to Israel and visit all of these significant biblical sights! I’m envious!
I too was never so proud of Mr. Harper as when he gave his defense of Israel, unfortunately I don’t recall seeing this speech on our evening national news. It’s possible I wasn’t watching the right news channel.
Psalm 63:7 On God rests my salvation and my glory; my mighty rock, my refuge is God.
I love Hebrews 6:17-20. It gives so much meaning to the conviction of God.
Thus God, determining to show more abundantly to the heirs of promise the immutability of His counsel, confirmed it by an oath, that by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we have strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us.
This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil, where the forerunner has entered for us, even Jesus, having become High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek. Hebrews 6:17-20.
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the
power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. Romans 15:13
Thank you for sharing, Ron, and for your thoughtful and gifted words, David. Matters in Israel have become so much more close to home as I read your Blog and follow our scripture readings daily. I’m sure others feel the same. I thank you for the challenge to review our own lives in light of what we read, and that the only way one can find true harmony is in close relationship with our Creator and Lord, Jesus Christ. I believe balance will be restored in the Israeli region but not without major interventions driven by our Heavenly Father and much sacrifice and prayer. Weapons technology and the surrounding and growing Islamic fundamentalist ideology, is a major concern.
Scott, you said everything that was on my heart to say! So I will just add an AMEN!!
May each one recognize the blessings of our wonderful Lord today!
Rest in assurance God’s grace is enough. Seeing events of life and the desires of the heart unfolding in perfect ways, grace abounds in, through and all around – NOW-‘No Other Way’! God’s grace is enough, at all times and in all circumstances – “My grace is sufficient for you-2 Corinthians 12:9”
I am so proud of our Canadian Prime Minister
A man of courage and a true leader.
God blesses those who bless Israel.
I will continue to pray for our nation and our nation’s leaders and those in position’s of authority
God bless all of u
Mellany
Dear David Ron and Reynold,
Thank you so much for helping us in our daily journey through Gods precious WORD…
Lets keep our prayers flowing on Israel ,our country and the whole world in Jesus name Amen.
It’s so good to partake of your blog every day, David. Also thanks to your great family who are fulfilling God’s purpose for your lives. We so enjoyed the news from Israel and so thank God for answered prayer for the cease fire agreement. Prime Minister Stephen Harper gives us hope and gives us encouragement to continue to pray for him and our government for the stand on believing for the peace of Jerusalem.
Crossroads Christian Ministries is very dear to our hearts and we look forward to starting our day in the Word and also in the enlightenment that you bring us from your blog, and following along in the scriptures with you.
Thank you for obeying what God had placed in your heart.
May God continue to bless you, Norma Jean, and your family .We know that in our interceding for you that God will do exceedingly more than we could ever hope or imagine.
Amen
Lianne Hogg
Hi David, I read your Blob each day, & find it very interesting, I am glad that u & your group had a wonderful trip & safe travel, I prayed 4 your safety, we have a good God & he care’s 4 each & everyone of us, wishing u good health & God’s blessing’s upon your ministery, keep up the good work soldier of the cross !!!