Joshua 20:3

It is said that in the land of Canaan, cities of refuge were so arranged that anyone might reach one of them within half a day at most.

In the same way, the word of our salvation is near to us. Jesus is a present Saviour, and the way to Him is short. It is only a simple renunciation of our own merit and a laying hold of Jesus, to be our all in all.

Regarding the roads to the city of refuge, we are told that they were strictly maintained; every river was bridged, and every obstruction removed, so that the man who fled might find an easy passage to the city. Once a year, the elders went along the roads and ensured they were in good order, so that nothing might impede anyone’s flight and, through delay, cause him to be overtaken and slain.

How graciously the promises of the gospel remove stumbling blocks from the way! Wherever there were side roads and turnings, signposts were put up with the inscription on them: “To the city of refuge!”

This is a picture of the road to Christ Jesus. It is no roundabout road of the law; it is not obeying this, that, and the other. It is a straight road: “Believe, and live.”

It is a road so hard that no self-righteous person can ever tread it, but so easy that every sinner who knows himself to be a sinner may find his way to heaven by it.

No sooner did the manslayer reach the outskirts of the city than he was safe. It was not necessary for him to pass far within the walls; the suburbs themselves were sufficient protection. Learn from this, that if you only touch the hem of Christ’s garment, you shall be made whole; if you only lay hold upon Him with faith as a grain of mustard seed, you are safe.

“A little genuine grace ensures
The death of all our sins.”

Only waste no time; do not loiter by the way, for the avenger of blood is swift of foot. It may be he is at your heels at this still hour of evening.