ROOTED - Thursday, February 12, 2026

 9    And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 10 “Speak to the people of Israel and say to them, When you cross the Jordan into the land of Canaan, 11 then you shall select cities to be cities of refuge for you, that the manslayer who kills any person without intent may flee there. 12 The cities shall be for you a refuge from the avenger, that the manslayer may not die until he stands before the congregation for judgment.

Reflection: Cities of Refuge 

Written By: Pastor Jesse Caro

Suppose I accidentally killed someone… manslaughter! It was made clear that when I picked up my axe and swung it, my intention was not for the blade to fly off the handle and hit my neighbor. Nevertheless, my neighbor dies. Suppose this happened during the time of Moses! The children had the right to seek revenge on the me for their dad’s death. So… I run… fast… and hope I am a faster runner than the neighbor boys. Where might I run? To a City of Refuge, a place where they cannot exact revenge for the accidental death. These cities, overseen by the Priests, were places where one could flee, knowing that they were safe from judgment. 

Cities of Refuge are very clearly a picture of Christ. Hebrews says that “we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us” in Christ. He is our hope in whom we flee from the judgment of sin and death… from the accusations of the Evil One. Proverbs 18:10 reminds us that “the name of the Lord is a strong tower… the righteous run into it and are saved.” I don’t know about you, but occasionally someone accuses me unjustly and I find hope knowing that God is protecting me and my reputation and he will make all things right in the end. The Enemy of our souls has no authority and can make no claims on us who are in the refuge of Christ’ protection!

Prayer

God in Heaven, you are our fortress and strong deliverer… our city of refuge. Protect us according to your promises.