One more word is in order concerning the cities of refuge. Understandably, those who had lost a loved one at the hand of one of their neighbors, whether accidental or intentional, would be deeply grieved, perhaps even enraged. Some may even have thought to take it in their hand to wreak vengeance against the offender, regardless of the judgment of the city elders.

Separation of the guilty in a city of refuge for an extended period of time allowed grace to do its work in the hearts of those thus inclined. “Time heals all wounds,” we are told, and that is especially so in a community where grace is at work, bringing transformation to those who submit to God and His Law.

Our own civil codes mirror this. While an offender is required to suffer incarceration for his crime, those offended against can seek grace for him and for themselves. The offender may come to a sense of contrition, such that both rehabilitation and restitution can be performed. Even the lengthy process of enacting the death penalty leaves time for grace to work in all parties.

God knows the sinful tendencies of our hearts, and in His grace and wisdom, He also knows how to leave room for transformation to occur.

T. M. Moore

The Law of God is the soil which, fertilized by the rest of God’s Word and watered by His Spirit, brings forth the fruit of Christian life. If you’d like to understand this process better, and how to make best use of the Law in your walk with and work for the Lord, order the book, The Ground for Christian Ethics, from our online store.

Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.