264. HEB 6:18. THE CITIES OF REFUGE
Heb_6:18. The Cities of Refuge
"Who have fled for refuge."’97Heb_6:18.
The apostle obviously alludes to the appointment under the Levitical economy of the cities of refuge. These were provided for the benefit of such as might accidentally slay a fellow-creature, that they might be screened from the avenger of blood. Jesus was evidently typified by them: and it is our design,
I. To trace the Resemblance
And,
II. Then apply the Subject.
Let us then see,
I. The Resemblance between the Cities of Refuge and Jesus.
This resemblance is manifest,
1. In the names of the cities of refuge The cities were six in number, and one was called Kedesh, which signifies "holiness." Christ is the Holy One; fountain and model of holiness. Absolutely and eternally holy. Shechem was the name of another of the cities, which signifies "shoulder." Christ is often spoken of as bearing, upholding, &c. "He shall bear the glory"’97"The government shall be upon his shoulder." Another was called Hebron, which signifies "fellowship. Sin made us outcasts and aliens: by and through Christ we have access to God, and fellowship with him. Another was called Bezer, which signifies "fortification." Jesus is the refuge, the fortification of his people, their strong tower and hiding-place. Another was called Ramath, which signifies "elevation." Christ is the High and Lofty One’97the Most High’97"Name above every name," &c. The other was called Golan, or "manifestation." Now Christ is the revealer; he who hath manifested the Deity, by his incarnation in the flesh, and by the doctrines of his Gospel.
Observe the resemblance,
2. In the situation of the cities of refuge The cities stood on high eminences, so as to be visible afar off, and in every direction. So Jesus is to be lifted up. His person and work are to be made known to all who are near, and to all who are afar off. He is to be lifted up, that all men may be drawn unto him.
3. The roads to the cities were to be kept wide, and in good repair.
Fifty-six feet wide and the ways always open. So Jesus is a way of easy and continual access. The way is narrow as to character, but it is wide enough for all the world to walk in it; and it is ever open.
4. There were posts erected which pointed to the cities of refuge.
For this, is the word of God given us, to show us the way of life, and to make us wise to salvation. And in the Gospel record this is done so fully and clearly, hat a wayfaring man, though a fool, need not err therein.
5. The cities of refuge were so situated that they might be reached from every part of the land in a few hours.
So Jesus is a Saviour, not afar off, but near at hand. Whether in the city or village, or on the sea, Christ is a refuge to which we may immediately repair. See Rom_10:6-10. Yes, Jesus is near to all who call upon him.
6. The gates of the cities stood open night and day.
So Christ is ever accessible. Morning, noon, or evening, every day’97every instant. During man’s probation there is not a single moment when the gates of mercy are closed against the sinner.
7. The cities were a sure refuge to all who entered.
But they did not avail to any without heir gates. However near, it was of no moment. But if within the gates, the refuge was certain. So all who are believers only in Christ are infallibly saved. None can condemn’97none harm’97none destroy. But however near to Christ, by knowledge or profession, will be of no avail. We must be within the ark to avoid the waters; within the refuge to avoid the manslayer; within Christ to be saved.
8. The refugees were required to abide in the cities till the death of the High Priest.
The believer must abide in Christ until his own death. For he that endureth to the end shall be saved. "Be thou faithful unto death," &c. "Abide in me," &c. Joh_15:4.
Let us then,
II. Apply the Subject.
1. By showing the sinner his state and danger.
Guilty, condemned, pursued by the avenger of blood. Wrath of God abiding on him. Joh_3:36.
2. Make known the way to Christ, the true refuge.
Repentance towards God, and faith in the Lord Jesus. Repent and believe the Gospel. "He that believeth," &c.
3. Urge immediate flight to the refuge.
From the imminency of their peril; from the terribleness of the second death; and from the uncertainty of life. "Behold, now is the accepted time," &c. "To-day if ye will hear his voice," &c.
4. The necessity of a consciousness that we are within the refuge appointed.
"Examine yourselves," &c. "If any man be in Christ he is a new creature."
5. Declare the certainty of the wrath of God upon all who remain impenitent, and obey not the Gospel of Christ.
"The wages of sin is death." "He that believeth not shall be damned."
Autor: JABEZ BURNS