Lesson+18+Essay

As we have studied some of the Biblical history of the people Israel, one thing that we have been exposed to time and again has been how God used things that were common in the lives of his people to teach them about himself. Much of this example comes from the arid climate of this region of the world. Mountains, plateaus, wadis, desert, and scorching heat all considered wilderness in their eyes. They lived close enough to these wilderness to be painfully aware of their need for life-giving water. The prophets wrote about it. David wrote about it. Jesus talked about it. From one century to the next, this image of how water is "life" is told and retold. People here could easily make the metaphysical jump from their physical need for water, to what God was trying to get them to see as their spiritual need as well.

For your essay this week use at least four of the Scripture verses below in talking about how God is our "En Gedi" or oaisis in the desert, and how this refreshing living water is meant to be taken to a thirsty world.

Oasis verses: Ps 61: 1-4, Ps. 91: 1-2, Ps. 121: 5-8, Isa. 25: 4-5

Living Water/ "fruit" verses: John 13: 34-35, Romans 15:13, Galations 5:22-25, Ephesians 5: 8-11

As you construct this essay, consider the following questions: A) What types of things in this world could be considered part of the desert wilderness? B) Is it easy to recognize people who are in the desert? C) In what ways has God been like the oasis in your life? Give examples. D) What is your strongest motivator to share this oasis with others, or encourage them to come "drink" from it? E) Think of a time where you have chosen "cistern water" instead of living water. (the worlds ways instead of Gods). Was there a consequence for your choice? Was that choice something you would do again? F) What do you do to cleanse yourself from the poison of the cistern water? Or refresh yourself from the draining of the desert world? Is this cleansing a habit of yours or a bandaid? G) What changes do you need to make in your heart and life in order to truly live out your commitment to share God's living water with people each day?