Fleeing for Refuge

"Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath: That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil." (Hebrews 6: 17-19 KJV)

God is a "sanctuary" or "place of refuge and protection." In the Old Testament, the LORD provided "cities of refuge" for the innocent manslayer, a place where he could be safe from those who would seek to destroy him. Lord God is such a place for those who flee to him.

"Then ye shall appoint you cities to be cities of refuge for you; that the slayer may flee thither, which killeth any person at unawares (or accidently)." (Numbers 35: 11 KJV)

"Deliver me, O LORD, from mine enemies: I flee unto thee to hide me." (Psalm 143: 9 KJV)

Not only is one encouraged to flee TO God for safety, but also to flee FROM those things that are destructive and ruinous.

"Flee fornication." (I Corinthians 6: 18 KJV)

"Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry." (I Corinthians 10: 14 KJV)

"For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness." (I Timothy 6: 10, 11 KJV)

"Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart." (II Timothy 2: 22 KJV)

These are things sinners need to flee FROM. He needs to flee from sin, temptation, and from danger.

"The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe." (Proverbs 18: 10 KJV)

Fleeing from sin, the sinner is encouraged to flee to the Lord and to "take refuge" in him, in his love and power.

"And what will ye do in the day of visitation, and in the desolation which shall come from far? to whom will ye flee for help? and where will ye leave your glory?" (Isaiah 10: 3 KJV)