Oasis of Relief

It’s a great feeling when our favorite movie character who has been suffering in the desert sees a green area in the distance. Their laughter of relief cannot be held back as they eventually lie in the shade beside the little spring-fed pool and drinks the water. The Lord has made us into a church for the purpose of being an oasis for the relief of our community. The church is a spiritual oasis but not everyone can see how it will help. Most people in the world will not respond to their need for spiritual water. However, the church is available to deliver living water to any repentant individual. The Bible says: God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. (2 Cor 1:3-4 NLT). Water is freely given for salvation and also to refresh our daily lives. 

Offering living water to the world is the perfect work that the Lord has given to us. There are believers who want the relief our Lord gives but they will not comfort other people. Jesus is certainly disappointed with them. We are responsible to be a member of the Church that is continually ready to provide relief for some other person. Many Americans have the wrong idea of spiritual comfort. We tend to think of a couple of pillows and the recliner but that is not the biblical idea. Comfort in the original language means “encouragement.” There are many different jobs in the church but every Christian must learn to encourage others. This includes cheering up some, sponsoring others, or simply encouraging people in general.

The relief that Christians provide to others may not be rewarded here on earth. However, we can rest assured that it will be worth it all someday. Paul tells us without a doubt: We are confident that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in the comfort God gives us. (2 Cor 1:7 NLT). We must work to be an overcomer so that we can enjoy the encouragement of our Lord. The mercy of God is not a recliner; it is for those who desire God enough to put their lives on the line for Him. It may be difficult to accept the fact that we receive more encouragement only as we have more suffering. The people of the church have collectively endured much for Jesus. We must be ready to comfort others at any time. 

The body of believers is an oasis for relief from many fears. At the same time, Christians are to live in the fear of the Lord. There is a great difference between our many negative fears and the positive fear of God. The Bible says: The church then had peace … and it became stronger as the believers lived in the fear of the Lord. And with the encouragement of the Holy Spirit, it also grew in numbers. (Acts 9:31 NLT). In this verse we see an example of the comfort of the Holy Spirit in the Church. This encouragement came to the people as they feared the Lord. This type of fear is an attitude that encourages our righteous living and reverence of our God. It is the same attitude that motivates us to lead others to salvation. 

Collectively, the church contains a large share of the understanding that is taught in the Scriptures. People needing spiritual relief certainly require this collective wisdom in their lives. Paul said it like this: Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled.  (Romans 15:4-6 NLT). The Lord is giving us everything as a group and it is right that we encourage each other toward the goal. When a person comes to this spiritual oasis they deserve a collective effort for their relief. Some people have their own agendas and do not contribute to the work of God as the Spirit directs the family group. The Church is a haven when the believers conform to Jesus Christ by the leading of the Spirit.

The greatest hope on earth is the return of Jesus for His family. The Church will all go together into Heaven and will no longer be represented on this earth. We should be doubling our efforts to bring other people to the Savior. God has always been on our side. Paul advises us: For God chose to save us through our Lord Jesus Christ, not to pour out his anger on us. Christ died for us so that, whether we are dead or alive when he returns, we can live with him forever. So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing. (1 Thess 5:9-11 NLT). What a relief it is to be with people who are continually building us up. The world is a very harsh environment for Christians. We must encourage each other.

The church holds forth the Gospel and together we look forward to our trip home. Here is our instruction:  Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever. So encourage each other with these words. (1 Thess 4:17-18 NLT). The raptured Church family, physically both the dead and the living, will leave this earth as one single group. We must tell our friends about our spiritual oasis so that they might join us and drink the living water! A reverent fear of God is a good thing and it is part of the redemption plan that will give us victory. It will draw us together into the oasis so that we can be of help to all people.