Introduction: The preaching of the Gospel, and God's people being salt and light, have made a good impact on society (see letter from Dobson). Still, we do live in a pagan nation. The nation's ways are not God's ways. This chapter from Joshua illustrates the differences between America's system of justice, and the system God gave to Israel. In America today we Christians cannot do it God's way: We have no Levites, no cities of refuge. You will be arrested if you try to be the "Avenger of Blood." But Christians can study this passage and find some valuable applications.

I. In America's "Capital Punishment" debate, Christians should be FOR capital punishment. God's will is clear: He authorized the "Avenger of Blood." He commanded the death penalty (Numbers 35:16-21 and 30-34). If God is for it, so should we be.

II. Christians have an "Avenger of Blood" looking out for them.

A. First, a word about revenge and vengeance.

B. Aren't Christians supposed to be doormats? (Matt. 5:38-44)

C. We must distinguish between personal persecution for our Faith, and criminal activity. Jesus never mean't to nullify the Law (Matt. 5:17-19). If a person harms me criminally, my Christian duty is to see that he is punished to the full extent of the Law, in order to make sure he doesn't also do it to my neighbor, for Jesus has commanded me: "Love your neighbor as yourself."

D. God promises to take proper vengeance on those who persecute Christians (Romans 12:14, 19).

III. Christians have a "Kinsman-Redeemer" looking out for them.

A. "Avenger of Blood" and "Kinsman-Redeemer" are the same in Hebrew.

B. Ruth 3:12-13; 4:1-12 illustrate the role of the Kinsman-Redeemer.

C. Just as Boaz redeemed Ruth, we have been redeemed, not with money, but with the blood of Jesus (I Peter 1:18-19).

Conclusion: We have no cities of refuge, but we have a refuge: Jesus Christ. May the Lord help each of us to find our peace and our strength and salvation in Him.