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Misusing God, part 2

With Halloween coming this week, there have been way too many horror films to be seen. Call me old, but I left scary movies behind about 10 years ago. My real problem with these films is that the stupid characters always run the wrong way. Always. I suppose if they were smart, then we wouldn't have such horror in these films. But then perhaps it would be a decent movie.

I shared recently that people often misuse God by running to Him only when they are in trouble. But it got me thinking that there are good reasons to run to God.

First, back in Numbers 35:6-29, we see God giving the Israelites Cities of Refuge. These were designated cities that someone could run to if they accidentally killed someone. God defines accidentally, and places some guidelines around it. The innocent could run in this direction to avoid being killed for the sake of revenge.

Reading this made me realize that the Church has been a sanctuary like this down through the centuries, sometimes misused, but oftentimes not. These are not bad, as God is the Giver of second chances.

The Church is meant to be a city of refuge for those seeking new life. Unfortunately, for many reasons that I won't take space and time for here, we keep people away. They no longer see Church as a sanctuary. We need to come back to a proper place of worship and service to God. For those running away from God, it makes for a very scary movie.
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