BASIC SCRIPTURE:20th May 2024
BASIC SCRIPTURE: JOSHUA 20: 1 – 9
Joshua 20:1-9 (NIV): “1 Then the Lord said to Joshua: 2 ‘Tell the Israelites to designate the cities of refuge, as I instructed you through Moses, 3 so that anyone who kills a person accidentally and unintentionally may flee there and find protection from the avenger of blood. 4 When they flee to one of these cities, they are to stand in the entrance of the city gate and state their case before the elders of that city. Then the elders are to admit the fugitive into their city and provide a place to live among them. 5 If the avenger of blood comes in pursuit, the elders must not surrender the fugitive, because the fugitive killed their neighbor unintentionally and without malice aforethought. 6 They are to stay in that city until they have stood trial before the assembly and until the death of the high priest who is serving at that time. Then they may go back to their own home in the town from which they fled.’ 7 So they set apart Kedesh in Galilee in the hill country of Naphtali, Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim, and Kiriath Arba (that is, Hebron) in the hill country of Judah. 8 East of the Jordan (on the other side from Jericho) they designated Bezer in the wilderness on the plateau in the tribe of Reuben, Ramoth in Gilead in the tribe of Gad, and Golan in Bashan in the tribe of Manasseh. 9 Any of the Israelites or any foreigner residing among them who killed someone accidentally could flee to these designated cities and not be killed by the avenger of blood prior to standing trial before the assembly.”
FINISH READING Our Daily Manna Devotional 20th May 2024 THE REFUGE PLACE!
This passage from the book of Joshua outlines the establishment of cities of refuge, designated places where individuals who unintentionally caused someone’s death could find protection from revenge. It reflects God’s concern for justice, mercy, and the fair treatment of all individuals within the community.
Declarations for the Day:
- Today, I declare that I will seek to uphold principles of justice and mercy in my interactions with others, just as God instructed the Israelites to designate cities of refuge for the protection of the innocent.
- I declare that I will be a place of refuge and safety for those in need, offering compassion and support to those who have experienced hardship or injustice.
- I declare that I will stand firm in my convictions and not allow the demands of vengeance or retribution to overshadow the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation.
- I declare that I will trust in God’s provision and protection, knowing that He is my ultimate refuge and strength in times of trouble.
- I declare that I will seek to be a peacemaker in my community, working towards reconciliation and healing in situations of conflict or division.
Encouragement:
As you reflect on the establishment of cities of refuge in Joshua 20:1-9, may you be reminded of the importance of justice, mercy, and compassion in your own life. Let this passage inspire you to be a beacon of hope and refuge for those in need, offering support and encouragement to those who are facing difficult circumstances. Trust in God’s provision and protection, knowing that He is always with you, guiding you and strengthening you to be a source of light and love in your community. Walk in the assurance of His presence, and may you be a living example of His grace and compassion to all those around you.
