Ministry Message

The Cities Different
“So the LORD gave Israel all the land he had sworn to give their forefathers, and they took possession of it and settled there.” Joshua 21:43

It’s not uncommon to express pride in our hometown with nicknames and slogans. For instance New Yorkers adopted “The Big Apple” to boast that no apple (city) was bigger or better than theirs. Boston embraces the name “Bean... more »» Town” to promote its early trade in sugar cane and molasses used in making the famous Boston baked beans. Chicago residents adopted “The Windy City” to lure tourists to its cool, breezy beaches for summer vacation.

My hometown, Ludington, Michigan, doesn’t really have a nickname. But that doesn’t mean I’m not proud of its great history. Father Jacques Marquette landed on the narrow peninsula dividing Pere Marquette Lake and Lake Michigan, putting it on the map. Historically, its main industries grew from its rich natural resources. By 1892, Ludington’s lumber industry produced 162 million board feet and 52 million wood shingles. The vast stands of white pine became known as “green gold.”After the 1900’s the waterfront grew, along with its maritime history including large car ferries turning Ludington into a Great Lakes shipping port. Eventually, three lighthouses were erected, drawing visitors from distant places to enjoy the sand dune shores and vast state parks.

In this portion of Scripture we have seen the development of two very special kinds of cities in Israel. The inhabitants of these cities could boast in their hometowns but for better reasons than most. First, the cities of refuge offered sanctuary to the misunderstood manslayer; these cities were always open to anyone seeking asylum. Second, the Levite cities provided an inheritance and haven for the priestly tribe. It would have been a privilege to call these cities “my hometown.” And more important, they were cities where the God of Israel was welcomed. Has God provided a home for you where He is welcomed? I encourage you to dwell in the land of promise with the Living God!

Transformation:
1. In Joshua 20, manslayers were provided mercy and grace in the cities of refuge. Think about the ways that God has offered you refuge through trials.
2. The Bible elevates the value of a human life from conception to death. Describe some of the ways modern society has diminished the sanctity of life and why you think this is occurring?
3. In Joshua 21, we see the Levites were given their portion. In the book of Joshua we learn that God provided for all His children equally, even if each inheritance was not identical. Some tribes received mountaintops; others were given fertile plains. The Levites did not have land, but they had the Lord. In what ways has the Lord provided for you?

Meditations:
Joshua 20-21; Joshua 1:13; Numbers 35:5; Numbers 35:9-28;

Love in Christ,
Lenya Heitzig

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