Christ, a Refuge
Christ is a visible, accessible refuge who welcomes and provides for all who flee to Him.
The ancient city of refuge was a very beautiful type of Christ. Every thing was done to render the city easy of access. It was not to be built in a valley, concealed among trees, but set on a hill, that it might be seen from afar. So "Christ is exalted to be a Prince and a Saviour," and "exalted to show mercy." The roads leading to it were to be very wide and spacious. Once every year, the magistrates sent workmen to clear them, and put them into complete repair. So the way to Christ is plain; and it is the work of ministers to keep it clear. God says to them, "Cast up the highway, take up the stumbling-block, gather out the stones, prepare the way of my people." Stones were set up on the road at every crossway, for fear the fugitive should go astray. The word REFUGEL was written on the stone in large letters; so that one might read as he ran. Thus do faithful preachers and teachers direct sinners to the Saviour, and cry, "Refuge! 'Flee from the wrath to come!'" The gates were never shut, day nor night; so that at any hour the manslayer could enter. Christ says, "Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out." The people of the city were to receive the fugitive, and provide him with food and lodging and every thing he needed. So does Christ feed and clothe those who flee to him. He that believeth shall never hunger nor thirst. There is no want to them that fear him. This city was for all strangers as well as for Jews. So Christ is offered alike to all of every kindred and people and nation and tongue.