When I am tempted to yield to doubt during troubled times, I have to remind myself that God is enough. The moment I believe God is not enough, I need to ask myself, what is my “plan B.” God’s got me covered!
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. (Psalm 46:1)
Somewhere Fast, by Bob Beltz, is a fictional story written in the order of Pilgrim’s Progress. The main character, John Calvin, is a broken man in need of some answers. An extramarital affair has cost him everything; his job as a pastor, his children, marriage and friends. He has reached a point where he doesn’t know what he believes. John decides to embark on a solo motorcycle trip along Route 66 to clear his head and gain a new sense of direction.
Along the way, he plans encounters with a few sages whose opinion he respects. In addition to the planned interactions, he has several unexpected encounters with complete strangers. Part way through his journey, one of the encounters leaves him overwhelmed by grace. The book conveys a gradual revelation of knowledge relevant not only to John Calvin but to readers as well. Somewhere Fast is good read, especially for those of the male gender.
In biblical times, the Israelites were instructed by God to set up cities of refuge for a specific purpose. They offered protection to anyone who accidentally committed a crime, which normally carried the sentence of death. Intentionally committed crimes were settled using “an eye for an eye” principle. The sentence was carried out by the avenger of blood (nearest living relative).
Accidental killings were to be handled differently. The person responsible for the killing was to immediately flee to a city of refuge where he could present his case to the elders of the city. If his explanation was judged satisfactory, he would be admitted to the city and given provisions and a place to stay. He (or she) would be protected in the city from the avenger of blood. If he left the safety of the city for any reason, he was fair game to the avenger of blood. Under the instructions provided in the Torah (Numbers 35), the person had to remain in the city until the high priest died. The guilty person could then return home relieved of his guilt and be safe from any reprisals.
If we fast forward to the time of Jesus Christ, we can see how this ancient practice was instituted by God as a way of modeling the concept of salvation, which He would offer to the whole human race. Salvation from what? Romans 3:23 and 6::23 offer a sobering statements: everyone has sinned and fallen short of God’s standard of perfection and the wages for this sin is death. Romans 6:23 goes on to say, God offers a gift (a place of refuge) in the person of his son Jesus Christ. Anyone who accepts this gift will experience forgiveness and have eternal life.
Jesus Christ is a sinner’s city of refuge.
There are two more points to be made found in Joshua chapter 21. After the cities of refuge were established by the Levites (Israel’s priests), God gave the Israelites rest on every side (v44). The second point: None of the Lord’s promises to Israel failed, every one was fulfilled (v45).
We can find refuge in the person of Jesus. When we enter his refuge we can experience rest on every side and begin to enjoy the promises of God; not one of them will ever fail.
For over the past half a century, I have witnessed the coming of spring. Each and every year it comes according to its preordained time. In the midst of intermittent snows and the cold temperatures the grass greens, flowers arise, and trees bud. Mankind has nothing to do nothing with its arrival. That which is ordained remains unaffected by any chaos overshadowing it.
Each year we witness new life springing forth from lifelessness, as if creation has suddenly been given a signal to awaken from its slumber. For people of faith, spring is a time of renewal. It reminds us of a day long ago when the Savior of the world was crucified, entombed and rose to new life. Easter is the season of resurrection, when new life is possible from lifelessness.
I am reminded of a scripture passage found in Luke 5:35-43, in which Jesus of Nazareth gives new life to a twelve year old girl. Everyone surrounding the little girl’s family knew she was dead, including the town’s people, the professional mourners, and her family. Yet Jesus’ response was, “Don’t be afraid, just believe.” What was it Jairus, the little girl’s father, was supposed to believe? When Jesus arrived at the residence of the dead child he said, “why all this commotion and wailing? The child is not dead but asleep.” Is this what the father was supposed to believe, that the child was not dead only sleeping? He certainly knew the child was dead. It is more likely Jairus needed faith to believe new life could come from lifelessness. Luke, the author of this book of the Bible, intended this story to be a foreshadowing of the miracle which occurred on Easter morning; when new life came from lifelessness, when hope sprang forth from hopelessness.
A chaotic pandemic will overshadow this Easter season. Remember Jesus’ words to Jairus, “Don’t be afraid, just believe.” Hold fast to the certainty that the resurrected Jesus, the author of spring, is still in control. Hope can spring forth from hopelessness!
Like many of you, I find myself stuck at home unable to work due to the pandemic. My dog Brody doesn’t see all the human suffering going on. He only knows I am spending a lot of time with him. On our walk today someone in our community took the time to set out some words of encouragement Brody sniffed out. As we remain isolated, may you stay safe, healthy and find peace.
Scraps 