“And the Lord spoke to Moses in the plains of Moab by the Jordan across from Jericho, saying: 2 “Command the children of Israel that they give the Levites cities to dwell in from the inheritance of their possession, and you shall also give the Levites common-land around the cities. 3 They shall have the cities to dwell in; and their common-land shall be for their cattle, for their herds, and for all their animals. 4 The common-land of the cities which you will give the Levites shall extend from the wall of the city outward a thousand cubits all around. 5 And you shall measure outside the city on the east side two thousand cubits, on the south side two thousand cubits, on the west side two thousand cubits, and on the north side two thousand cubits. The city shall be in the middle. This shall belong to them as common-land for the cities.” Numbers 35:1-5 NKJV
God our refuge,
You are the God of refuge and You know that accidents do happen. You even gave Moses plans for dealing with protection for those who did. You included 12 cities of refuge. So they would be spaced among each tribes land and a distance anyone could reach within a day? You did not cover over accidents and loss of control and murder. You provided places of refuge. Places of justice. It would also stop those seeking vengeance from becoming murderers themselves.
Later a Psalmist would pen the Words “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1).
Thank goodness today we do not have to run cross country to reach You. You are right here, where and when we need You. Always! (Matthew 28:20). But sometimes we are more aware than others? David sang, “The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation. (2 Samuel 22:2,3). Recognising Your hand in saving him from Saul and his enemies.
We praise You because You are our refuge, a place of safety. No longer condemned for our sin and safe in the knowledge a place is prepared for us with You in heaven (John 14:1-4). And today if we need to take refuge from life, comfort, assurance, forgiveness or direction, You are here.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Sunday 22nd February 2026
You may recognise the tune depending on age . . . from the Dambusters movie.
God is our strength and refuge,
our present help in trouble,
and we therefore will not fear,
though the earth should change!
Though mountains shake and tremble,
though swirling floods are raging,
God the Lord of hosts is with us evermore!
There is a flowing river
within God’s holy city;
God is in the midst of her-
she shall not be moved!
God’s help is swiftly given,
thrones vanish at his presence-
God the Lord of hosts is with us evermore!
Come, see the works of our maker,
learn of his deeds all-powerful:
wars will cease across the world
when he shatters the spear!
Be still and know your creator,
uplift him in the nations-
God the Lord of hosts is with us evermore!
Lyrics: Psalm 46, Richard Bewes
May You cause wars to cease now too Lord.