Refuge and Justice in God’s Grace

Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; steadfast love and faithfulness go before you. – Psalm 89:14

We saw Sunday that Deuteronomy 4:41-43 introduces the cities of refuge, places where a person who unintentionally killed another could flee for protection. These three cities (and the others that follow in the Promised Land) reveal something important about God’s character: He is just, but His justice is tempered by grace and mercy. Human life is sacred, and the taking of it is never to be ignored. At the same time, God distinguishes in His Law between accidental killing and deliberate murder. The cities of refuge provided protection for the one who had not acted with murderous intent, ensuring that justice did not become vengeance and that due process was not superseded by a blood feud. True justice carefully considers the circumstances and seeks to protect the innocent while still honoring the seriousness of sin and the value of human life. 

These cities of refuge, then, point us toward the gracious character of God. The guilty person who fled to a city of refuge was given safety and protection while the matter was properly judged in the courts of the day. This directly correlates to the New Testament’s understanding of the gospel. Sinners who deserve judgment may flee to Christ for mercy. We do not find refuge because we are innocent, but because God has provided a gracious Savior who bears our guilt. At the cross, God’s justice and grace meet perfectly. As Psalm 85:10 describes, “Steadfast love and faithfulness meet; righteousness and peace kiss each other.” Therefore, Deuteronomy’s cities of refuge remind us that God’s justice is not cruel, and His mercy is never unjust. The God who judges rightly is also the God who graciously provides for those who come to Him in faith. Do you know His refuge today? 

Prayer: Just and Gracious Father, thank you for the refuge you’ve provided in Christ for my sin-sick soul. I don’t deserve mercy, but you’ve given it to me anyway. Thank you for pouring out your wrath on sin at the cross and giving me grace to follow you. Amen. 

Suggested Scripture Readings: 

• Numbers 35:9-34
• Hebrews 6:13-20

Questions for Reflection: 

1. Where do you tend to see God’s justice and mercy as being in tension rather than recognizing how perfectly they meet in His character?
2. When you are conscious of your own guilt or failure, do you run from God in shame or run to Christ as your refuge? 
3. What does the gospel teach you about God’s willingness to receive those who come to Him?