Hi Siblings
Have you ever gotten food, thought it was finished, only to discover there’s actually more left? That’s how I feel sometimes when we reflect on the Word. There’s always room for more interpretation and introspection. Like Today’s Holy Nougat.
Psalms 34:8 NIV
[8] Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.
Blessed Refugees
Can you believe it – in biblical times a refugee was viewed positively. Mind you, the context was vastly different – then, people would seek refuge (sanctuary) if they committed crimes unintentionally, like manslaughter. Given the ‘eye for an eye’ approach of the times, they needed a haven from reprisal killings. Thus, the Israelites were mandated to build six Cities of Refuge throughout the land. (For more details, see Exodus 21:12-14: Numbers 35:9-34; Joshua 20; and 1 Chronicles 6).
They were different from modern sanctuary cities, which are primarily concerned with regional and international migrants facing deportation. While there are more subtle similarities and differences, I hope we’ve gotten the gist of the two roles.
Self-Check
How comfortable are we with being affiliated with refugees? Why/not?
Application
There is a sense in which David might allude to the presence of God being a City of Refuge. For, when we have sinned, we can find forgiveness and protection from the Accuser of the Believers in the presence of God. I believe that it is important to note, especially since our Adversary, the devil, is very intentional about putting on the guilt, trying to convince us we’re not worthy of God’s grace.
Our Nougat however, speaks to refuge in a slightly nuanced manner. The Hebrew word yehēseh is only used in this text. It transliterates as, ‘flee for protection’, or ‘confide in’. So yes, we run to God for safety from the enemy; our refuge in times of trouble. But, in times of temptation, and oh there are many, we have the assurance that we can confide in God. That is indeed cause for joy!
If we go back to our reflections on ‘taste and see’, it is clear that when we give God the chance to be Lord of our lives, we find indefinite (eternal) sanctuary. And we know we can confide in God each time we feast on the Bread of Life, as well as when we go to God in prayer.
Siblings, come taste and see that God is good, we are blessed because we have refugee status in God’s presence
Point to Ponder
What shall we confide in God about in this season? God won’t reveal our secrets.
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May all we seek be found in Christ
