July 24: RUN!

Thus God, determining to show more abundantly to the heirs of promise the immutability of His counsel, confirmed it by an oath, that by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we might have strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us. This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil… Hebrews 6:17-19

The establishment of God’s people Israel was for the purpose of reaching all the nations with the message of salvation. Before the foundation of our world, the Lifegiver’s heart for saving mankind from eternal death was set. The pagan nations surrounding the land of promise had a broadly practiced custom of private vengeance whereby a close relative of anyone who had died at the hand of another was obliged to find the killer and kill him. This designated person was the avenger of blood. The Lord’s provision of cities of refuge throughout the environs of the promised land were uniquely designed to help ensure the safety of anyone, from anywhere, who had unintentionally caused loss of life. These cities were spaced evenly in the land so that none was more than a half-day’s journey within the boundaries of Israel. It was essential that the roads leading to these unique cities be smooth and free of obstacles with boldly lettered signposts to clearly mark the way so that the fleeing one might not be delayed even for a moment!

Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it. Habakkuk 2:2

God’s people of today have the continuing duty and privilege of clearing the road of obstacles to the true place of Refuge—the person of Jesus Christ—obstacles that would hinder or delay those who, under conviction of the Holy Spirit, sense their accountability before God. Satan has planted every conceivable obstacle to stumble over in hopes of preventing entrance into the only place of safety. The Biblical prophecies which apply to our day and lead up to the glorious return of our Redeemer, are filled with warnings regarding counterfeit Christianity. For our ultimate safety these loving warnings are designed to heighten our discernment of false teachings (obstacles!) so rampant today.

Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons. 1 Timothy 4:1

For they are spirits of demons, performing signs, which go out to the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty. Revelation 16:14

The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive a love of the truth, that they might be saved. 2 Thessalonians 2:9-10

And in that day seven women [churches] shall take hold of one man [Jesus Christ], saying, “We will eat our own bread [not the Bread of Life] and wear our own apparel [not the robe of righteousness that Jesus offers]; Only let us be called by thy name [the name “Christian”], to take away our reproach.” Isaiah 4:1 (KJV)

And Jesus answered and said to them: “Take heed that no one deceives you. For many will come in My name . . . and will deceive many . . . Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many . . . But he who endures to the end shall be saved. Matthew 24:4,5,11,13