refuge
There is an interesting story in the book of 2 Samuel. In chapter 2, we see a man named Abner, who had been Saul’s Commander-in-chief, being pursued by a man named Asahel, 2 Sam. 2:18-24.
Abner tries to reason with Asahel, but Asahel continues to pursue Abner. Abner warns Asahel to leave him alone. He offers his a sword and shield. However, Asahel continues to come after Abner. Seemingly in an act of self defense Abner jabs Asahel in the ribs with a spear. I
Joab, David’s Commander-in-chief, is also the older brother of Asahel. Joab catches Abner at the gate of the city of refuge and kills him, to avenge the death of Asahel, 2 Sam. 3:27.
This is a crazy story. What really caught my attention as I found this story in a study on the “cities of refuge” is that Abner dies just outside the city of Hebron. Hebron was one of the 6 cities of refuge! It appears that Abner just outside of the place of safety and security.
It may be for this reason that David reacted the way that he did to hearing the story.
2 Sam. 3:32-33 And they buried Abner in Hebron: and the king lifted up his voice, and wept at the grave of Abner; and all the people wept. 33And the king lamented over Abner, and said, Died Abner as a fool dieth?
In the picture above you will see Alonso Montenegro a pastor at Iglesia Bautista Fe in Arequipa, Peru. God is doing a tremendous work through this ministry not just in Peru but around the world. They have sent missionaries to several other countries from this church.
Last night we, Vision Baptist Church, had the wonderful opportunity to have a blessing service for our missionary Chris Gardner. He is a tremendous man of God and I am thankful to call him my friend.
Chris and the team in Peru is working diligently to continue a church planting movement that was started in the late teenage years of Chris’s life. There are several (I believe 25+) churches working together in the city of Arequipa pointing people to take refuge in Jesus Christ. There are dozens scattered throughout the country as a a result of this ministry.
Please, pray for him as he returns next month. As Abner was just outside the city of refuge their are people around the world just outside a place where they can hear about the refuge in Jesus Christ. In the Old Testament their were elders standing outside the city of refuge welcoming those who came for safety. The Gardner has trained men who are know around the world holding signs pointing the way to refuge!
