Saturday, March 3, 2012

CITY OF REFUGE


I was fleeing for my life
I could see the city gates
Open to enfold and bring me in.
Behind me, on the pathway,
My enemy pursued me,
Intending to destroy me for my sin.

Oh, Blessed place of Refuge
I Cried, Oh, Refuge City,
My only hope was found
within your walls.
Before the priest I trembled
and pled my case for mercy
I knew before this judge I’d stand or fall.

I was fleeing for my life,
Fleeing to the Blood of Refuge
Shed by Jesus Christ,
-- it drew me in.
Behind me on the pathway
My Enemy pursued me,
Accusing and condemning me for sin.

Oh, Blessed Man of Refuge,
I cried, Oh, Blessed Savior,
My only hope is
through Your cleansing Blood.
Before my Priest I worshiped
He pled my case for mercy
Freedom came through
His Redeeming Love.

And now I walk in Freedom,
I daily walk in Freedom,
Rejoicing as I look upon His face.
The Refuge I once cried for,
The Refuge Jesus died for,
Enfolded me within the walls of Grace.


11 comments:

Cindee Snider Re said...

Caryjo, did you write this poem? It flows like stream, knowing exactly where it's going, but never too impatient to sing across the stones and round the bends. I'm sooo glad I stopped by today from Jumping Tandem. What a blessing!

caryjo said...

Yes, I wrote this as a poem/song, think it was about 4 years ago. One reason I used italics was because when singing, those words are more intense.

Thanks, Cindee. You made me grin, which is always nice.

Anonymous said...

This is so poignant and beautiful. It touched my heart and reached out to me
for my own freedom. Thanks Jo.

Love,
Me

Deidra said...

I wondered if you'd written this yourself! WOw! Very well done! Like a psalm for this generation - or for any generation, really.

JoAnne Potter said...

Thank you for this concrete image--the refuge of grace as a city.

Maureen said...

Beautiful! I was reading in the OT recently about these cities of refuge. You did a refreshing job of interpreting it into application for today, for me, on my journey. Thank you.

Nancy said...

What an inspiring poem or song...You have a gift and I am so glad you shared it with us because I have been blessed by your words...

Beth said...

Beautiful truth--inspiring, heartfelt words ministering to me. Thank you, friend, for sharing this.

Laurie Collett said...

What a beautiful poem/song! Praise God that Jesus is our City of Refuge.
Thanks so much for visiting & commenting on Saved by Grace! Your blog is a blessing and I am now following it, and I invite you to follow Saved by Grace also:
http://savedbygracebiblestudy.blogspot.com/
Love in Him,
Laurie Collett

a joyful noise said...

I love this poem/song. Makes me want to Run to the rock that is higher than I. Those old testament cities of refuge were a safe place for those caught in sin. I am so thankful our place of refuge, cleans us up and we and no longer a sinner, but we are saved by grace.

S. Etole said...

Wondering which city that is in your photo? It's such a strong visual with your poem.