Job said, “Man, who is born of woman, is short-lived and full of turmoil” (14:1 NASB). Even though we may not have suffered as Job did, we can testify to the truth of Job’s statement. There are physical struggles of life as well as mental struggles. Sometime there are attacks from friends and foes! Sometimes we have serious on-going health issues; sometimes we have financial setbacks and sometimes we have spiritual setbacks. We want a place to escape. Christ is that place.
The writer of the book of Hebrews spoke of those “who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us” (6:18 KJV). This is a reference of the six cities of refuge God established in the Promised Land where one who accidently killed someone could find a refuge from the avenger of blood (the nearest of kin to the deceased). In a previous Meditating on the Word, comparisons were made between the city of refuge and Christ our refuge.
Besides seeing the comparison between the cities of refuge and our refuge found in Christ, there are other evidence that give a greater insight into the refuge Christ offers. The details of Christ’s refuge can be found in the meaning of the names of each city of refuge. The issue will examine the meaning of one of those cities. Later issues will draw lessons from the meanings of the other cities of refuge.
Shechem
Shechem was located in the middle of Israel on the west side of the Jordan River. The Hebrew word Shechem literally means “shoulder” or “back” and conveys the idea of strength. Isn’t that what we need in a refuge – strength? When Abraham had to send Hagar away the text says he “took bread and a skin of water and gave them to Hagar, putting them on her shoulder” (Genesis 21:14 NASB). When the Israelites had to leave Egypt quickly, they “took their dough before it was leavened, with their kneading bowls bound up in the clothes on their shoulders” (Exodus 12:34). It is also used figuratively in the Old Testament. When Job was pleading his case for his innocence, he wanted a letter of acquittal. He said, “Surely I would carry it on my shoulder; I would bind it to myself like a crown” (Job 31:36).
The Shoulder of Christ’s Authority
Isaiah spoke of the region near where Jesus was raised as a child. Because the people in that area had departed from God it was a place of darkness and gloom because God had allowed the Assyrian Empire to conquer and punish it. Isaiah went on to say, “but later on He (God) shall make it glorious…the people who walk in darkness will see a great light” (9:1-2). A little farther in the text Isaiah said, “You (God) shall break the yoke of their burden and the staff on their shoulders” (9:4). But, the passage has a double meaning.
The great prophecy of hope is found beginning in verse 6, “For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; and the government will rest on His shoulders; and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace, On the throne of David and over his kingdom to establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness from then on and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will accomplish this” (9:6-7).
This of course, is foretelling the coming of Jesus, God’s Christ, who is now sitting on David’s through at the right hand of God, the Father (Psalm 110:1; 16:7-11; Acts 2:25-36). Notice that “the government will rest on His shoulders.” Christ is the seed of David and He is king of His kingdom and head of His church (Ephesians 2:22-23; Colossians 1:13-14). He is the authority for His people. That government will be strong as symbolized by the fact that it speaks of Christ’s shoulder.
Only the government of Christ will stand. We should never put our trust in an early government! All empires of the past have fallen and disintegrated into the dust of the earth. But the government of Christ’s kingdom will stand the test of time and the onslaughts of its enemies until Christ finally delivers His kingdom over to the Father and the Father will reign (I Corinthians 15:24-26).
Those who have been baptized into Christ (Romans 6:3-4) are citizens of that heavenly kingdom (Philippians 3:20) – that place of refuge from the struggles of life. In the fellowship of fellow Christians, we can find a refuge from the attacks of Satan and the world. It can offer us protection. In another dual prophecy Isaiah said of Christ, “Then I will set the key of the house of David on his shoulder; When he opens no one will shut, When he shuts no one will open” (Isaiah 22:22; Revelation 3:7). What a place of refuge! Christ is in control! He is the authority. Anyone in fellowship with Him will be protected and find comfort in whatever situation he or she finds himself or herself. Christ’s is our authority.
The Shoulder of Christ’s Compassion
The wonderful blessing of the shoulder of Christ is not only that it is a should of authority of His kingdom, but He also has a shoulder of compassion. We not only need a should of authority to lead us, we also need a shoulder on which we can cry and to which we can go for help. Jesus has that kind of shoulder also.
Jesus said, “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30). A yoke is worn on the shoulders, usually of animals. But here, Jesus likens himself as an animal who will help carry your burden. It’s a double yoke where He shares our burdens.
Peter described it this way, “Casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you” (I Peter 5:7). The writer of the book of Hebrews urged, “Therefore since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (4:14-16).
Yes, Jesus is that great city of refuge because He has the shoulder we need to guide us with His authority, and He offers us His shoulder to help bear our burdens! Are you in that city of refuge?
Wayne Burger