Under the Law of Moses, if a person accused of manslaughter was chased by an avenger but got through the gate into a City of Refuge, the accused was protected from harm. Because of sin, each of us deserves death. We are guilty before God, but an accuser, Satan, pursues us to bring overbearing consequences and destruction. Jesus said, “I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved (John 10:9).” When the precious blood of Jesus the Messiah is applied to the debt we owe, we have refuge in Him. In Jesus, our debt is paid, not overlooked, and the accuser is silenced.

If someone left a City of Refuge, they made themselves vulnerable. Protection did not apply outside of the gate. If you return to sin from which you have been saved, you move yourself outside of God’s protection. Repent! Run to Jesus and find refuge. King David wrote that God’s boundaries are in pleasant places (Psalm 16:6). God’s ways are perfect; His word proves true; He is a shield for all those who take refuge in Him (Psalm 18:30). 

Dear Heavenly Father,

I come before You, grateful for the refuge found in Jesus' blood. Just as the City of Refuge protected, Jesus shields me from sin's accusations. Keep me within Your boundaries, away from harm, and guide me to turn from sin. In Your loving presence, I find my true shelter and strength. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Have you come to God the Father through the gate – through Jesus Christ? Thank Him for being your refuge and shield. If you are experiencing trouble that seems to be coming from the evil one, ask the Lord to show you if you have somehow moved outside of His protection, and choose to return.