Numbers 35:11-12. “Then ye shall appoint you cities to be cities of refuge for you; that the slayer may flee thither, which killeth any person at unawares. And they shall be unto you cities of refuge from the avenger; that the manslayer die not, until he stand before the congregation in judgment.”
LAW AND MERCY. A hand is raised in a careless fashion to see how far he can throw. A young man is showing off his strength with unconcern. A large ornament is placed on a window sill two stories up. A workman is trying to get his men to finish the job before dark.
A man is walking by behind the bushes, hidden from sight. The heavy log on the shoulder is too heavy and it drops. Cleaning the upstairs room, a brush against the stone flower pot pushes it out. The boss pushes the slow worker aside to finish the job and the worker falls.
The cry is raised, “You killed him with that stone you threw.” “When you dropped that log, the end hit my brother on the chest.” “You waited until he was passing by and dropped it on his head.” “You deliberately pushed him off the roof because you didn’t like him.”
We must be intolerant to sin and yet impartial to people. The law says death for the guilty, pardon for the innocent – there is a place of mercy. The tempers of the moment must be cooled and the flame dampened. A place of safety is provided and a run to the city of refuge is made.
The deed cannot be overlooked; it must be faced because it affects all. The passions of quick temper; the careless attitude; the deep hate must be considered. Life cannot go on as usual; whether you meant it or not - the deed was done. Stay in the city; cease all normal activity; the issue will be dealt with.
The man who threw the rock died, because he didn’t flee for refuge. He could’ve lived, but didn’t because he didn’t avail himself of the mercy in the city. The avenger was nearby and slew him while he tried to defend himself. He didn’t realize the seriousness of being careless and died without mercy.
The game of making a show of personal strength is a foolish game – its’ end is pride. Pride left the moment he saw the friend fall to the ground with the log on his chest. He runs to reach a place of refuge – the place God chose to be safe – a place of mercy. The judgment is made – an accident – but he must stay in the city till the priest dies.
A fast run from the house to the city of refuge happens after the stone pot falls. The avenger is far behind - cannot catch the one who made the pot land on the neighbor. The heat of the moment is passed and the congregation gathers to hear witnesses. It was a planned plot; a murder was intended; the avenger must be the executioner.
The worker’s family comes after the hard boss who runs ahead to the city. He is able to stay there until the “day of judgment” when all gather to hear the verdict. It is decided the push that caused the fall was accidental, but greed put a stop to his work. He must stay in the city until the priest dies – and this priest is a young man…
The law has its’ claims and it rights over me and it is good and right and just. But the law needs to be tempered with mercy because God has a concern for justice. It is of God’s mercies I am not consumed; it is because of His mercies I give myself. The “city of refuge” where I live is where I will stay - Content to enjoy the results of mercy.
“How glad I am, O Righteous God, to be in a place where mercy is shown. Even though foolish things have happened; inadvertent mistakes have been made; deliberate wrong choices have affected me and others – still I am at rest and am in peace in this city where I dwell. Amen.”