Almighty God, our Creator, is merciful. He desires mercy in us and in Joshua 20 gave instruction for cities to be designated where those who killed someone unintentionally and accidentally could flee and find protection so they could stand trial. He was so concerned He instructed the elders are to admit the fugitive into their city and provide a place to live among them. v. 4. They would be able to stand trial and they would stay there until the death of the high priest serving at that time. v. 6. He knew they would need protecting from the avenger of blood v. 3. He knew the avenger of blood needed protection from their desire to kill.

In John 11:17-44, we learn something so beautiful and amazing. Jesus’s friend Lazarus has died. He’s talking with Martha, Lazarus’s sister, who came to meet him in great distress and great faith. “Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.” Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” Martha answered, “I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.” Jesus said to her, “ I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”

Mercy and refuge. One day there will be a City of Refuge whose gates will never be shut Revelation 21:25. Because, in the end, we will each of us need God’s mercy. That day Jesus showed God’s mercy by raising Lazarus from death to life John 11:43. He didn’t have to do that. Martha knew one day her brother would be resurrected and we know Lazarus at some point died the death we all experience and yet we know, too, from this amazing passage resurrection is real.

Jesus knew it was real because He came to show us the Father’s great love for us. He, too, was resurrected. Not to die again a physical death but to return to the Father. In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. Hebrews 1:1-3. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that he might have the supremacy. Colossians 1:18.

His powerful word. His great healing love. His mercy. Jesus showed us the way. From the very beginning of all things. “I am the resurrection and the life. Do you believe this?”