Oasis (n) – a pleasant or peaceful area in the midst of a difficult, troubled or hectic situation.

I saw the most interesting sign today. It was at a church, and it said “Be an oasis of truth in a workd of false salvation”. That sign changed my whole day! It challenged me to my core, and here’s why.

Every movie scene I have ever seen of a person lost in the scorching desert has at least one oasis scene. The desperate, parched and half dead person suddenly reaches this beautiful area, with water, trees, and a place to rest. It is literally lifesaving for said person.

Enter our situation the day before inauguration of a new president when the country is a desert. The entire world is watching this transition and holding its breath to see what will happen to America. Some people think they know, and some are blindly ignorant. Among the rest, there are thousands upon thousands who are scared, hopeless, and feeling the searing heat of doubt and distrust and conflict. They are desperate for an oasis.

We, the born again believers saved by the blood of Christ should NOT be among the hopeless! The world does not need to see us wringing our hands and acting as though our mighty God is not still in control. But read the sign again…”oasis of truth in a world of false salvation.”

False salvation has been very prevalent among supporters of our current president. It is also prevalent in those who cling to our government and system of laws as their “salvation”. There are those who are literally paralyzed by fear of changes coming and are looking for anything to save them.

Our role? “Oasis of truth”. Not just any truth either. But the Truth as representated by our Lord Jesus Christ. And there’s the rub. There are far too many Christians who have Bibles covered in dust! We have Christian books on our shelves, written by mere men, that have pages that are worn and sections highlighted. We will share with others and try to live them out ourselves..while the inspired, inerrant Word of God lies dusty.

Here’s the scoop. No written book by man other than the Bible, which was written by God through His chosen authors, will ever ever bring anyone to the knowledge of the real Truth. No other book is alive and current for every generation. No other book has the power to change lives by it being read. And that is the Truth we are called to share!

2 Timothy 4:2 clearly states “be prepared n season and out of season”. I Peter 3:15 also states “But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that us in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.”

Doesn’t that sound like an oasis to you? Picture a tired weary and worn person coming to you, and finding gentleness, respect, and an answer to despair by the hope you have through Christ, the author of truth! Its a tough and rough world, but if every Christian took up this challenge and became an oasis, just think what God could do with that! Get those Bibles out, people, and start reading them again, so that you will be prepared!!

HE WAS BETRAYED FIRST.

No matter how we may feel right now about our politicians or country; or friends, family and co-workers who voted differently than we did….

IT HAPPENED TO HIM FIRST.

I will confess that right now I am frustrated, disappointed, and actually do feel betrayed by so many of our country’s leaders.  I see things happening that I cannot believe, and I have asked over and over, “Can’t they see what they are doing to our country??  How can people vote for that??  Don’t they know what that means??”  The sad and simple answer is, yes.  Yes, they do.

Because when you look in the Bible, it all becomes crystal clear.  Jesus, in His last hours, experienced more betrayal with a deeper hurt than you or I will ever understand.    During His ministry, the religious leaders of His day spent their entire time ridiculing and arguing with Him.  During the last week of His life their plans to oppose and destroy Him grew.  His words meant nothing and His life meant nothing except an obstacle to what they had and wanted to continue to have.  And they would have none of it.

The most interesting betrayal to me that night is one we are experiencing right now…the betrayal by the crowd.  When Pilate presented Barabbas and Jesus to the crowd for their vote on who to release, the people loudly cried out for Barabbas.  Pilate, being completely shocked, asked one more time..”what has this man done that he deserves to die (my paraphrase)??  The crowd grew more violent and vocal, demanding Barabbas so that Jesus would be the one to die

Ever thought about how that felt to Mary, the disciples, and all the other followers?  I have.  I believe it was utter shock as well, and all the questions we are asking right now were questions that they had.  EVERYONE knew Barabbas.  Everyone knew he was a liar, thief, murderer, and much more.  NO ONE expected him to suddenly change or rehabilitate; the assumption was that he would continue his life of crime and violence.  And NO ONE cared! They knew what they were getting, yet they were so focused on killing Jesus they had lost all sense of perspective.  No longer was it about what was right, it was about what they insisted on having at any cost.

We as born again believers covered by the blood of Jesus are facing times in this country that we have never known and never thought we would encounter.  There are a lot of reactions we can choose from right now, but I am going to encourage us (me included) to choose the path of Jesus.  He had no rebuttals, He didn’t break the law trying to change it, He didn’t burn down buildings or storm palaces.  He simply prayed, committed His will entirely to God, prayed more, faced the future, endured the suffering, and pleased His Father the entire time.

The end result of course?  He WON!  He conquered everything the enemy threw at Him and doomed him to an eternal hell.  And His victory ensured OUR victory….even though it won’t really be complete till we’re home with Him in heaven. 

Take heart!  The battle is raging, it may turn into absolute war and chaos, but we know who WINS!