In ancient Israel, the cities of refuge were arranged so perfectly that anyone could reach one within half a day. No matter where you were, safety was never far away.

Even so the word of our salvation is near to us! Jesus is a present Saviour, and the way to him is short. It is but a simple renunciation of our own merit, and a laying hold of Jesus to be our all in all.

Think about those roads to the cities of refuge. They were strictly preserved. Every river was bridged. Every obstruction removed. Once a year, the elders walked those roads themselves, checking their order, so that nothing might impede the flight of anyone and cause him, through delay, to be overtaken and slain.

How graciously do the promises of the gospel remove stumbling blocks from the way! At every crossroad, at every turn where someone might go wrong, there were hand-posts fixed up with the inscription: "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 no obeying this, that, and the other. It is a straight road: "Believe and live!"

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

No sooner did the man-slayer reach the outworks of the city than he was safe. He didn't need to pass far within the walls—the suburbs themselves were sufficient protection.

Learn hence: if you do but touch the hem of Christ's garment, you shall be made whole. If you do but 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! Loiter not by the way, for the avenger of blood is swift of foot. And it may be he is at your heels at this still hour of eventide.