Asylum


Num 35:25  It's the task of the community to save the killer from the hand of the 
avenger--the community is to return him to his asylum-city to which he fled. He 
must stay there until the death of the High Priest who was anointed with the holy oil. 
Num 35:26  But if the murderer leaves the asylum-city to which he has fled, 
Num 35:27  and the avenger finds him outside the borders of his asylum-city, the 
avenger has a right to kill the murderer. And he's not considered guilty of murder. 

     There is this phrase used to reflect the attitude of our judicial system towards 
those being accused of a crime- "Innocent until proven guilty". In accomplishing 
justice, it is just as much the duty of the system to protect the accused, as it is to 
avenge the accuser. There definitely is a need for punishment that corresponds to the 
gravity of the infraction. Without this deterrent, crime and disorder would 
immediately prevail. The proper implementation of this punishment, however, is 
critical in instilling confidence and productivity in those that would progress past the 
altercation. 
     It is impossible to have any group of people in any community without a great 
number coming up short in varying degrees, even to the point of taking another's life. 
As this is true in the social community, so it is in the community of faith, where those 
of us who have chosen the King would dwell. There will most certainly be moments 
when correction must take place. There will be times when things are said and 
divisions arise that don't reflect the heart of the King and have to be dealt with. There 
is, however, a way of dealing with the infractions that will ultimately instill 
confidence and hope in the hearts of those desiring to go on. In Christ there is a law 
that covers and fulfills all others. In the law of love, there is a refuge set up where the 
worst offender can find refuge from the offended, where restoration can be made and 
freedom from the severe, even deserved penalties may be found. Even on the cross 
Jesus' purpose was displayed and fulfilled in taking the thief next to Him to the place 
of refuge from ultimate punishment. For the convict on the other side, this same 
place remained available, though not chosen. 
     This same law is one that might be reflected in His body, the community of His 
love. As there is an identified fault, as there is the perception of falling short, the 
responsibility is as much for the welfare of the offender as it is for the ones that 
might have been offended. Even for the worst offense there should be, as there was 
from Jesus, an open invitation to come into the place of refuge and find asylum from 
the deserved punishment. While it certainly remains a choice, the open invitation 
nevertheless remains intact for any willing to receive it, no matter how unattractive 
or unworthy they may be. This place is created specifically for those who have no 
other place to go, who are deserving of nothing. If it cannot be found in this 
"community of love", where will it be found? Where is the hope for them? 
     In our social system of justice there is a defined consequence for a specific violation. 
There is also a provision for pardon from the ultimate authority. In Christ there is an 
open invitation to give up what we deserve for the pardon from all of our faults. There 
will most definitely be an ultimate punishment for those who chose not to enter into the 
refuge, but until that time comes, there should be this provision maintained by His body 
of open armed reception into the fortress where pardon and mercy are found. 

Gal 6:1  Live creatively, friends. If someone falls into sin, forgivingly restore him, saving 
your critical comments for yourself. You might be needing forgiveness before the day's 
out. 
Gal 6:2  Stoop down and reach out to those who are oppressed. Share their burdens, and 
so complete Christ's law. 


3/15/05