The Lord has told us, as a church to declare and proclaim Hämeenlinna as a city of refuge, a place where God’s glory dwells. Hämeenlinna is called to be a city that is safe where people can dwell and find new strength in the Lord. The purpose of intercessory prayer in the Hämeenlinna area is to strengthen the calling as a city of refuge.
In the Old Testament, the Lord told Moses to set up cities of refuge,
“Six of the towns you give the Levites will be cities of refuge, where a person who has accidentally killed someone can flee for safety.” (Numbers 35:6, NLT). The purpose and instructions for cities of refuge is found in Numbers 35:9-34. These cities were designed specifically for the protection of Israelites and foreigners living among them. The accused person who found safety in the city of refuge had to stay there until the death of the high priest who was located at that city.
If we look at the different aspects of these cities of refuge, we can see many parallels to who Christ is for us. Jesus is our ultimate High Priest and He is our ultimate refuge! He has set us free from sin and has saved us from death and the grave.
We who follow Jesus are ambassadors of Christ, we are called to be people who lead and direct people to Christ. 2. 2 Corinthians 5:20 So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!”
The church is called to be a place of refuge, providing a safe place for people to come to and find hope and life in Christ. The Lord wants to show us what it means to steward being a safe place, a city of refuge as a church. This is a place where God’s peace is, a safe place where people experience the love of God and healing and restoration. It is a place of encouragement where people have the freedom to be themselves in who they are in Christ and step out to grow and mature in the gifts and talents that the Lord has given them.
I have personally found that it is in the safe space of my church at NHMC, where the Lord has brought healing and restoration in areas of my life. I have then been able to take steps of faith in areas that the Lord has put on my heart, whether that is in prayer and worship, bringing forth declarations and revelation that the Lord has given to me. I believe churches are called to be a place that is safe for people to receive greater healing and understanding in what the Lord has called them to do.
Unfortunately, within the last few years we have seen and heard of many ministries that have caused more pain to people, because the enemy wants to destroy ministries and hurt people. We need to learn to surrender to the Lord daily and allow the Holy Spirit to lead us in everything we do. The Lord wants to bring healing and restoration so that we would have a deeper understanding how the Holy Spirit wants to build and establish a place of refuge for people to grow and learn more about Him.
Specifically in the season where there are wars and rumours of wars we need the Lord to lead us to understand what it means to have a safe place where people can come and be at rest, and at peace in the midst of trouble. I do believe the Lord wants to train and teach His people in this hour to be people who walk in the peace of God which transcends all understanding, so that others can sense God’s peace and invitation to rest in Him. I believe that is one of the areas of being an ambassador of Christ, where we display and represent Christ to others.
Lord, I thank you, you are raising up cities of refuge in this season. Thank you Lord that you will bring healing and restoration to our lives so that we can become your vessels of support to others. Would you cleanse and purify us of anything that hinders your work in our lives. Lord, I ask that you would lead and guide us on what that means to be a safe place for people to come and find safety in you, in Jesus name, Amen.
