Daily Devotional
"Then the Lord said to Joshua, 'Say to the people of Israel, "Appoint the cities of refuge, of which I spoke to you through Moses, that the manslayer who strikes any person without intent or unknowingly may flee there. They shall be for you a refuge from the avenger of blood."'"
Joshua 20:1-3
Imagine the terror of accidentally causing someone’s death. In ancient times, this meant certain death at the hands of the victim’s family seeking justice. No courts, no due process, just blood for blood. This was the harsh reality that created the need for cities of refuge.
But here’s what’s remarkable: God cares about both justice and mercy. He doesn’t say, “Well, it was an accident, so forget about it.” Life is too precious for that. Every person bears God’s image, making human life sacred. Yet God also doesn’t say, “Too bad, you took a life, so yours must be taken.” Intent matters. The heart matters.
We live in a world that struggles with this same tension. Our legal system tries to balance justice and mercy but often fails. Some think we’re too lenient; others think we’re too harsh. But thousands of years ago, God provided a perfect solution that honored both justice and mercy, establishing a system that would ultimately point us to Jesus Christ.
The cities of refuge teach us something crucial: God takes both justice and mercy with absolute seriousness. He doesn’t compromise on either. And in Christ, we see how both are perfectly satisfied.
Today's Challenge
Where in your life have you struggled to balance justice and mercy? Do you tend to lean more toward strict justice or toward mercy that ignores wrongdoing? How does God's perfect balance challenge you?
Prayer
Father, thank You that You are both perfectly just and abundantly merciful. Forgive me for the times I've emphasized one at the expense of the other. Help me to value human life as You do, to pursue justice as You command, and to extend mercy as You have shown me. Teach me to reflect Your character, which holds both in perfect balance. In Jesus' name, Amen.
