Cities Of Refuge: Refined By GraceSample

Living as a priest of Yahweh was a bold act of trust. The Levites were called out of the rest of the body of Israel for service to the Lord but were also largely dependant on the tithes of the people for their sustenance. The Levites were given no land and therefore could not raise crops like the rest of the tribes (Num 18:20-21). Instead they were allotted cities throughout the land of Israel and made to depend on the people of God to bring in provisions to feed their families, the only exception being the limited pasturelands around the cities to raise flocks. 

Likewise, the manslayers imprisoned within the Cities of Refuge would have had little means of providing for themselves unless their own family members brought them food and clothing. In fact rabbinical writings even talk about a mother of the High Priest walking to the cities to bring the manslayers food so they would not pray for the early demise of her son, since his death would end their captivity. Unless they already had a trade which could be utilized within the city walls, it is possible that they too were sustained by the tithes of the people designated for Levites and those who could not provide for themselves (Deut 26:12).

Our own calling as priests of the God-Who-Provides is an exercise in trust as well. When our focus is not on laying up stores for earthly needs or wants but on kingdom work, then the prayer “Give us this day our daily bread” (Matt 6:11) will flow naturally from our hearts and from a place of unconditional trust. Day to day dependence on God’s provision is not easy, and at times it tests our faith to the limits, but the rewards of watching God open up his storehouse to provide for us is truly an awe-inspiring thing. We have no need to worry when the God of the Universe, the King who owns the cattle on a thousand hills, cares for our every need (Matt: 6:30). I personally saw these principles in action during the adoption of our daughter when the Lord provided every single penny we needed (and more!) through the love of friends, neighbors, and even strangers. 

If we change our mindset from worry about whether God will provide, and how, to expectant anticipation about watching him work miracles, then our lean times and struggles will become blessings instead of something to fear. We should be like Yeshua who relied on the Lord for his own daily bread, even though he could have had all the riches of Heaven at his disposal with just a word. 

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER: 

What needs do you have today that should be brought before the Lord? Do you trust that He alone can and will provide for this circumstance? 

How have you seen the Lord provide in miraculous ways, either for you or someone you know? In what ways did that build your faith? 

Take some time today meditating on the reminder that you are loved by the Creator of the universe and that not even a sparrow falls without his notice. Your every need can and should be taken before His throne. He is a good, good Father and He cares for you. 

Living as a priest of Yahweh was a bold act of trust. The Levites were called out of the rest of the body of Israel for service to the Lord but were also largely dependent on the tithes of the people for their sustenance. The Levites were given no land and therefore could not raise crops like the rest of the tribes (Num 18:20-21). Instead, they were allotted cities throughout the land of Israel and made to depend on the people of God to bring in provisions to feed their families, the only exception being the limited pasturelands around the cities to raise flocks.