After the Land of Canaan was conquered by the Israel-ites, certain cities were appointed as Cities of Refuge -three on both the east and west sides of the Jordan River. A person who had accidentally killed another could flee to a City of Refuge and be safe within its walls from the avenger of blood. Upon the death of the high priest, all were freed who had sought refuge within such a city.

How do these Old Testament practices picture the gospel and Christ's work as priest? What is typified by:
-The avenger of blood?
-Fleeing to the City of Refuge?
-Being freed by the death of the high priest?

Christ's Praying Work As Priest

Christ's work of sacrificing Himself as Priest was done once - it has been completed. But His praying work, His work of intercession, will continue until the end of time. Jesus Christ is in heaven, in the presence of His Father, interceding for His children. On the basis of His own obedience, active and passive, He pleads and gains acceptance for His people.

God is perfectly pleased in the satisfaction and righteousness of His Son. The prayers of Christ, the perfect Priest, will always be heard and answered by His Father. This doctrine teaches us two very precious benefits:

1. While a child of God is sinning on earth, he has a praying High Priest in heaven. Christ is interceding for His sinning child -both for his sins of omission and commission. For instance, as His child prays, Christ will also be praying, "Father, forgive the impur-ity in My child's heart; forgive the wanderings of his thoughts, the coldness of his heart, the self-centeredness of his desire. Father, also forgive his shortcomings; forgive his omissions of prayer times, prayer petitions, and prayer zeal. Father, view his commission of sin through My blood-purchased righteousness. Father, he is one of Mine and Thou gavest him to Me. Forgive him, spare him, uphold him, preserve him. Behold him in Me, in My active and passive obedience - I am his Substitute."