What s So Special? Text: Joshua 20 & 21 Series: The Venture and Victory of Faith [Joshua; #12] Pastor Lyle L. Wahl May 6, 2018

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1 What s So Special? Text: Joshua 20 & 21 Series: The Venture and Victory of Faith [Joshua; #12] Pastor Lyle L. Wahl May 6, 2018 Introduction Many, if not most of us, have special places. Places where we ve lived or like to go. Places with special memories and meaning. Getaway or vacation spots. There are ancient and modern, rustic and refined places. The ocean, mountains, lakes, deserts, plains. Some are personal, while others are tied to family, community or even the nation. Parks Canada lists 965 national historic sites. 1 One of them is the Battle of Windmill National Historic Site. Have you ever heard of it? The site of this stone windmill is less than an hour s drive south of Ottawa on the St. Lawrence River. The windmill and area were the site of an 1838 battle between reformers and British forces for the control of Upper Canada. The reformers mustered 250 men who crossed the river from New York and took the windmill and high ground. The Americans in this group wrongly assumed that many people in Canada would join them in wanting to throw off what they saw as oppressive British rule. So they hoped people in the area would rally to support them, but they did not. The British forces, a thousand strong, won the battle. As many as 50 of the 250 would-be liberators died in that battle. In trials after the battle, 11 of the 200 or so survivors were sentenced to death, 60 were sent to a British penal colony in Australia and 86 were found guilty of offences but later pardoned. One month later the Battle of Windsor put an end to the American incursions and Canadian rebellions. This is the primary significance of the battle. 2 You may want to visit this special place or, on the other hand, wonder What s so special about this place many people visit each year. Joshua chapters 20 & 21 bring us to some special places for the nation of Israel. They were not battle grounds, but some of them were directly related to life and death. Chapter

2 20 describes setting up setting up cities of refuge. Chapter 21 describes setting aside cities for the Levites. We need to set the scene here. When we come to chapter 20 Israel has finished their major battles and conquest, the land has been divided and the people have settled in. The last major task of organizing the land was to implement what God directed earlier about setting up cities of refuge and cities for the Levites. This is where the account picks up in chapter 20. Special places. Let s look at these special places as we begin to explore what is so special about them. In chapter 20 we have the cities of refuge. God first set them out to Moses in Exodus chapter 21 as He gave him the Law. God said, He who strikes a man so that he dies shall surely be put to death. But if he did not lie in wait for him, but God let him fall into his hand, then I will appoint you a place to which he may flee. If, however, a man acts presumptuously toward his neighbor, so as to kill him craftily, you are to take him even from My altar, that he may die (12-14, NASB). Then later God gave Moses more details about these cities, recorded in Numbers chapter 35 and Deuteronomy chapter 19. Now that Joshua and the people are in the land and dividing the territory, God told him to appoint the cities of refuge, to put them in place. Verse 1 here in Joshua chapter 20, Then the LORD also spoke to Joshua, saying, Speak to the children of Israel, saying, Appoint for yourselves cities of refuge, of which I spoke to you through Moses, that the slayer who kills a person accidentally or unintentionally may flee there; and they shall be your refuge from the avenger of blood. (1-3) It was common practice in the ancient world for criminal and civil justice to be carried out on community, clan and family levels. The avenger of blood would be a relative of the victim who would carry out the execution of the murderer. 2

3 The word avenger interestingly had another, and more frequently used side of its meaning in the Old Testament: a redeemer. One who would redeem property for a relative, or even the relative from trouble or servitude. This is portrayed in the book of Ruth where Boaz was the redeemer for Ruth and her mother-in-law Naomi. God provided a system for safety, judgment and mercy for a person who killed someone accidentally, without premeditation. Six cities were designated, three on each side of the Jordan River. This made it possible for the one who claimed to have killed someone accidentally to quickly make it to safety in a city of refuge. He would present himself as seeking refuge. Later his case would be heard in a town close to the place of the killing to determine if in fact his claim was true. If his claim was found to be false, he was handed over to the avenger to be put to death. If his claim was found to be true, he would be returned to the city of refuge where he had to remain until the death of the current High Priest. But if he left that city of refuge before the current High Priest died and the avenger of blood found him, he could execute him. You seen then, the cities of refuge were special, important places for the nation, families and individuals. 3 As we move into chapter 21 we come to the second special cities, the cities given to the Levites. Levi was the third of Jacob s twelve sons. His descendants, then, were one of the twelve tribes of Israel. Yet the Levites were not given a territory. God chose them to serve Him and their people and, God directed in Deuteronomy chapter 18, Remember that the Levitical priests that is, the whole of the tribe of Levi will receive no allotment of land among the other tribes in Israel. Instead, the priests and Levites will eat from the special gifts given to the Lord, for that is their share. They will have no land of their own among the Israelites. The Lord himself is their special possession, just as he promised them (NLT, verses 1-2). They were to be supported by a tithe from the rest of the people. 4 Moses and Aaron were Levites, and Aaron was the first High Priest of Israel. The Levites were focused on serving God and the people in worship and teaching at the tabernacle and later the temple as well as at the places throughout the land where they lived. So they did not devote themselves to working a farm, building and running a business or managing large land holdings. 3

4 Chapter 21 here in Joshua opens, Then the heads of the fathers houses of the Levites came near to Eleazar the priest, to Joshua the son of Nun, and to the heads of the fathers houses of the tribes of the children of Israel. And they spoke to them at Shiloh in the land of Canaan, saying, The Lord commanded through Moses to give us cities to dwell in, with their common-lands for our livestock. So the children of Israel gave to the Levites from their inheritance, at the commandment of the Lord, these cities and their common-lands (verses 1-3). So, just as with the cities of refuge, now that they had settled in and divided the land, it was time to give these special places to the Levites. The people gave them 48 cities where they could live and which would be the base of their ministry. While some would travel in rotation to serve at the tabernacle and later the temple, most of the time they served God in and from these towns. The towns were scattered throughout the land in such a way that everyone in Israel was within about ten miles from one of these special places. So then, the influence of the Levites teaching and interpreting God s word and their counsel was relatively close to all the people. Special principles. These special places were important for Israel. At first glance, however, they might seem to be just history to us. After all, we don t have and should not have cities of refuge nor cities for church ministers now in the church age. So we may ask, What s so special about this for us? Then too, history does not seem important to some people. One writer joked, apparently, The history of states and nations has provided some income for historiographers and book dealers, but I know no other purpose it may have served. 5 On the other hand, another writer tells us knowledge of the past is a key to understanding the present. 6 While God gave us this account so we would know the history, He gave us, He teaches us much more than history here. There are some special principles for us. In fact, there are 4

5 a fair number of principles in the cities of refuge and the Levites. Let s take a look at just three. The first, which is the foundation of and flows through the cities of refuge is the importance of human life. We live in a time when some people, perhaps even a good number of people, think all life is of equal value people, dogs, cats, cows and even mosquitoes. Let me be clear: I don t value mosquitoes to the same degree I value dogs, cats and cows! Further, people who think all forms of life have equal value may think that it is the height of arrogance to think that human life is of greater value than life of the rest. God, the Creator, decrees otherwise. Human life is uniquely important to Him. This is because, He tells us in the Bible, God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them, 7 and, In the day when God created man, He made him in the likeness of God. 8 So we are to value human life because it is unique. People are the only ones in God s creation who He created in His own image to be like Him and represent Him. And so we are also to value human life because killing a person is immeasurably more serious than killing an animal. After the flood God told Noah, Surely for your lifeblood I will demand a reckoning; from the hand of every beast I will require it, and from the hand of man. From the hand of every man s brother I will require the life of man. Whoever sheds man s blood, by man his blood shall be shed; for in the image of God He made man. 9 Later, in giving the Law, God not only said You shall not murder, 10 but also Whoever kills any man shall surely be put to death. 11 Historically the cities of refuge prevented a rush to judgment, thus showing the value of the life of the one who killed another person. They also set out a process to carefully weigh the evidence and administer the full penalty when someone s claim that It was an accident was false. The cities recognized that whether intentional or accidental, killing another person was a very serious matter. They also demonstrate God s mercy based on the intent and heart of the person. 5

6 Today the value of human life is under siege. As I mentioned earlier this year on Sanctity of Human Life Sunday, one research firm s 2016 poll revealed that 57% of Canadians said abortion should be permitted in all circumstances, 21% said it should be legal in some circumstances, and a further 8% believe it should be permitted when the life of the mother is in danger. Only 3% thought it should never be permitted no matter what circumstance exist. 12 Then we need to consider euthanasia, that is putting a person to death with medical means or allowing them to die by withholding extraordinary medical measures. A February 2015 Supreme Court of Canada ruling struck down the section of the criminal code prohibiting physicians from assisting in the consensual death of another person. 13 In July of 2016 the federal government s assisted-dying bill came into force. 14 God makes it clear that human life, all human life is important. We are to protect and defend it. We are to exercise great care and justice in evaluating every instance where that has not taken place. This principle at the base of and flowing from the cities of refuge is for us, for every day. A second special principle, this one from the cities of the Levites, is that God s servants who minister to His people are then to be provided for by the people. The main focus and work of the priests and Levites was to serve God and His people. What we call vocational ministry is not a recent invention. Because the priests and Levites worked for God and served the people, the people were to support them. As God told Aaron, Behold, I have given the children of Levi all the tithes in Israel as an inheritance in return for the work which they perform, the work of the tabernacle of meeting. 15 The people gave a tithe, gave 10% of their income to support the priests and Levites. So it was, and so the principle behind it still is. When Jesus sent seventy disciples to go ahead of Him across Israel, He told them they were to stay with people who received them as they went from town to town, eating and drinking such things as they give, for the laborer is worthy of his wages. 16 The seventy were not priests and Levites, but they were devoting themselves to serving God and people on this mission. Later the apostle Paul cited this principle as he told the church in Corinth that he had the right to be supported financially in his work of establishing and strengthening churches. He 6

7 wrote, the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should live from the gospel. 17 And then in another place he applied it to elders/pastors of the church as he wrote, Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine. For the Scripture says, You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain, and, The laborer is worthy of his wages. 18 We cannot, and God does not expect each of us, any of us to financially support all worthy ministries and missionaries. But we are to provide for those who minister to us and those God impresses upon us to support. And, yes, sadly there are some who, as it is said, fleece the sheep, who use their position and abilities to build a large empire for themselves rather than truly allow God to use them to build the church of Christ. Each case of that is a deep stain on the church and is detested by Christ, to whom the church belongs and for which He gave His life. So we are to seek and use God s wisdom as we support, provide for those in ministry. We are to be wise in providing support for those who minister to God s people. Then the third special principle from the cities of refuge is that God provides refuge and is our refuge. The city of refuge literally was a life saver for a person who accidentally killed someone. There he found mercy. There he found refuge as he lived out his sentence. This truth that God provides refuge and is a refuge extends to all of us in all areas and experiences of our lives. King David knew and experienced this and so testified and praised God, My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold and my refuge; my savior, You save me from violence (NASB). 19 And, As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the Lord is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him. 20 Psalm 46 opens with another statement of this truth experienced by that Psalm writer, God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change and though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea; though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains quake at its swelling pride (1-3, NASB). 7

8 So King David encourages us, Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. 21 Question: Do you know God is your refuge? Do you know God and as your refuge? Do you trust in Him at all times? Even when your hopes are dashed and smashed into a million pieces? Even when the path is dark and scary? Even when God seems silent? Even when evil and those who do it are prevailing? Even when friends turn on you? Even then, especially then, pour out your heart to Him, trust Him, take refuge and be sheltered in Him. You see, God provides for our real needs as we trust and take refuge in Him. He cares about our circumstances and yet He cares even more about our relationship with Him. He wants you to take refuge in Him, to find peace and security in Him regardless of what is going on in and around you. King David wrote, Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God (ESV). 22 None of us, to my knowledge, seek refuge and trust in chariots or horses, but we can trust in many things other than God. In ourselves, our ability, work and accomplishments. In our view and ideas of what is best and when and how that should happen. In other people. And on the list goes. God who is gracious, merciful and faithful says, Come to Me. I will shelter you. I will provide for you. Come into My presence and take refuge in Me. But mercy does not begin and end with me, with each of us receiving mercy from God. We know that extending mercy, that is withholding all that is rightfully due another person and extending grace to that person, never means looking the other way at sin, ignoring it, excusing or condoning sin. As we see and deal with the sinner and sins we are to remember that Jesus has told us, be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful. 23 And again, He teaches us, Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. 24 Yes, each of has received mercy. As the apostle Paul wrote and is true of us, although I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man; but I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. 25 So when correcting and restoring someone who has sinned we are to extend mercy. We see some of that in the apostle Paul s instructions that open the 6 th chapter of Galatians, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted (verse 1). 8

9 Conclusion. As we wrap up, I want you to focus on this last principle God provides and is a refuge for you. There is a song that sings, Through His love the Lord provided a place for us to rest, a place to find the answers in hours of distress. There is never any reason to give up in despair. Just slip away and breathe His name, He will come and meet you there. And the chorus, In the presence of Jehovah, God Almighty, Prince of Peace, troubles vanish, hearts are mended in the presence of the King. 26 Each one of us who knows Jesus Christ as our Savior can not only sing those words, we can experience the reality of them. As you talk with and listen to God now, thank Him that He is your refuge, your rock, your stronghold, your shield. Bring yourself, all that you are and are not, all that you delight in and worry about, all that angers and terrifies you, all your doubts and questions into His presence. The troubles you are facing may not vanish instantly, but your fear, anxiety and anger can. Your hurting heart may not be instantly mended, but God s perfect peace that goes beyond what you can understand or describe can be yours, and He will mend your heart. Do that now. 1 National Historic Sites of Canada. Federal Designation Statistics, Directory of Federal Heritage Designations. < federaldesignation-designationfederale_eng.aspx>. n.d. Accessed: 16 April Battle of the Windmill National Historic Site of Canada. < Date modified 05 April Accessed 16 April Battle of the Windmill. < Edited 10 March Accessed 16 April Numbers 35:9-28; Deuteronomy 19: Numbers 18:

10 5 Quotes About History. History News Network. < 26 December Accessed 16 April Quotes About History. 7 Genesis 1:27. 8 Genesis 5:1. 9 Genesis 9: Exodus 20: Leviticus 24: Andrew Russell. 6 in 10 Canadians support abortion under any circum-stances: Ipsos poll. Global News. < nces-ipsos-poll/>. Updated 23 February Accessed 16 April Supreme Court of Canada ruling. < Modified 12 October Accessed 16 April Liberals assisted-dying bill is now law after clearing final hurdles. CBC News. < approval >. 17 June Accessed 16 April An Act to amend the Criminal Code and to make related amendments to other Acts (medical assistance in dying). < Modified 16 December Accessed 16 April Numbers 18: Luke 10: Corinthians 9: Timothy 5: Samuel 22:3 cf. Psalm 18:2, NASB Samuel 22:31 cf. Psalm 18: Psalm 62:8. 22 Psalm 20:7, ESV. 23 Luke 6: Matthew 5: Timothy 1: Becky Davis, Geron Davis. In the Presence of Jehovah. 1983, 1985 Meadowgreen Music Company (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing). 10

11 2018 Lyle L. Wahl Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture marked (NASB) taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE, Copyright 1960, 1962, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by the Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. Scripture quotations marked (ESV) are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version (ESV ), copyright 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois All rights reserved. 11