When we think of a refuge, we connect it with a place of safety and shelter. In some cases, animals and birds often find protection in wildlife refuges, while in other cases innocent people flee from evil men as is well-known in Africa. And it is a common thing for people to seek refuge from storms, forest fires, floods and hail.
During the summer of 2009 a man named Bill was seeking a different kind of refuge in the town of Ridgefield, Washington. In fact, he was very intent on finding a hiding place because the police wanted him for selling illegal things. One day he was trapped in a neighborhood where houses were being searched by the police, and he felt it best to stay outside —but where could he hide? Outside of one house, he found a large plastic recycle bin, which to him was quite suitable, and he quickly climbed inside and closed the lid.
Now he must have felt a measure of protection from being taken by the police. But at the same time, he could not escape the unpleasant thoughts that go along with a bad conscience. He knew he had done wrong, but he valued his freedom and would not turn himself in to the authorities. Sin has very real consequences, and the Word of God tells us that “the soul that sinneth, it shall die.” Like Bill, we have all offended God, and we all must give an account of ourselves to God.
As it turned out, it would have been much better for Bill to have confessed his sin to the police than to have chosen the refuge he chose. The Bible tells us that “he that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy” (Proverbs 28:1313He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy. (Proverbs 28:13)). Sadly, Bill had climbed into the recycle bin on a day when the afternoon temperature reached over 105 degrees. Yes, his refuge was successful in hiding him from the police, but the next day a neighbor found him dead inside that recycle bin. His poor body could not take the heat with the lid closed. His refuge proved to be a fatal mistake.
God has declared in the Bible that “the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:2323For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Romans 6:23)). Bill thought he was safe that afternoon, but God lovingly warns us that “there is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death” (Proverbs 14:1212There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. (Proverbs 14:12)).
It is far better for each one of us to discover that “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:11<<To the chief Musician for the sons of Korah, A Song upon Alamoth.>> God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. (Psalm 46:1)). God has proven to be a God of love and has provided all that is necessary for the eternal happiness and blessing of those who turn to the Lord.
Men and women have sinned against God for thousands of years, and it is our sins that bring down the wrath of God. But the good news is that, though we have sinned, He has mercy and pardon for all who repent of their sins and believe the record God gave concerning His Son, Jesus Christ. What does it mean to “repent of our sins”? It means literally “to think again” or to think God’s thoughts about how we have sinned. But the good news found in the Word of God is that “the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin” (1 John 1:77The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. (John 1:7)). Right where you are, while reading this message, you can have the forgiveness of sins and peace with God. The Lord Jesus Christ, who shed His life’s blood on the cross of Calvary, now invites you to believe that He bore your sins in His own body on that cross. He is offering you a full and free pardon. Have you found Him to be your hiding place and the refuge for your soul? He is a refuge that will never, ever fail!