A PLACE OF REFUGE
By Pastor Zoila Marty
First United Methodist Mt. Pulaski, Chestnut, & Latham

[March 26, 2020]  A refuge is a place where a parson feels secured from any danger. Sometimes our homes may be our place of refuge, but for some people their homes have become one of the most dangerous places to be. In most cities and towns there is a shelter, a place of refuge where people feel secured in case of natural disasters like hurricanes, tornadoes of any other storm.

A place of refuge does not necessarily needs to be big and strong, sometimes it may be a simple place like a small room, a closet or any other place where a person can feel secure. For example, at this present time, millions of people are looking for a place of refuge due to the effects of the pandemic caused by the Coronavirus COVID-19. People are anxious feeling insecure and it looks that there is of refuge. But the Lord tells us: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayers and petitions, with thanksgiving present your requests to God." (Philippians 4:6)

Governments and other health authorities around the world are desperate looking for a place of refuge for people who have been affected by this dangerous virus. Many people have to stay home as the best place to be safe, but if we look around, there is not a secure place on this earth. The only secure place is under the wings of our almighty and loving God. “He shall cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you shall take refuge. His truth shall be you shield and your buckle. You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor of pestilence that walks in the darkness." (Psalm 91:4-5)

In another of the Psalms King David wrote the following, “I have taken refuge in you, Lord. Don’t let me ever be put to shame. Be my rock of refuge where I can always escape." (Psalm 71: 1; 3) 

In the book of Numbers chapter 35 we find that God ordered Moses to identify a few cities of refuge to protect the people who had killed other people by accident. “The Lord spoke to Moses: Speak to the Israelites and say to them: When you cross the Jordan into the land of Canaan, identify for yourself cities to be refuge cities." (Numbers 35:9-10) 

In the past, as well in our time, people need a place of refuge.

Not long ago, a pastor was on her way to preach in a church after finishing her Sunday service in another church. When she was in her car ready to leave, a little girl approached her and asked: “Pastor, pastor, please come to my house to pray for my little sister who had an accident.” The pastor got out of her car and walked across the street with the eight-year-old girl to her house.

The mother of the girl was on her way to the church with the sick little girl and another younger sister. She met the pastor at the parking lot and the pastor prayed for the sick girl and spent a few minutes talking with that young mother and her girls.

What I learned from this story is that this eight- year-old girl knew that the church next to her house was a place of refuge for her and her family. She was sure that the pastor or somebody from the church could come with her to pray for her sick sister and offer her a secure place to go.

A church could be a good place of refuge for many people during this turbulent time. Psalmist David said: “I have taken refuge in the Lord. So how can you say to me, “Flee to the hill like a bird'?" (Psalm 11:1) Jesus says that anybody who comes to him, he will not reject him. For us, Jesus is the best place of refuge. He is the rock where we can feel safe. Jesus promised to be with us all the days of our life until the end of this present age. Blessings