AN OASIS IN THE DESERT
Luke 9:10-11

Introduction:     Multitudes of people here have come to Jesus as He and His apostles were in a desert place. This is a fitting characterization of these people as they came to Jesus because their lives were as a desert place. They were as empty and barren as a desert spiritually. This really reflects the spiritual condition of the world as many are living in a desert place spiritually. What are things we find common in the desert?

·        IT IS A BARREN PLACE

It is a place of barrenness (no food or water); yet the Bible says that Jesus is the Bread of Life and the Water of Life! There is no desert where Jesus is. These folks went to a desert place, but it wasn’t a desert place because Jesus received them there! In this world in which we live we can find an oasis!

·        IT IS A LONELY PLACE

People don’t want to live in a desert. Beloved, there is no desert where Jesus is, (Mat 28:20) "…lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen." Jesus will never leave or forsake His child. Jesus makes the desert bloom; He is a place where I can go for comfort, shelter, and companionship. When the world attacks and depresses you; retreat to the Lord Jesus Christ our paradise.

·        IT IS A DANGEROUS PLACE

In the midst of danger we can hear the voice of Jesus say, “fear not!” Look a three pictures of Jesus found here. There is a picture of:

I.          JESUS LISTENING
Jesus is a good listener He took the time to hear each of His disciples.

            A.        Time Of Reporting

We ought to talk to him and about Him.

            B.         Time Of Rejoicing

I believe they were a little bit stirred up as they reported. Folks they were excited! (Illus: enthusiasm = en (in) + thusi (thehos=God) = God in you! Now brother that is something to be excited about.          

II.         JESUS COMMUNING
Jesus wanted to have close fellowship with His people.

A.                 To Rest Awhile

Mark 6 gives some detail. We need to come apart and recharge the batteries.

            B.         To Renew Vision         

III.       JESUS HEALING
Jesus didn’t look at the crowds as a nuisance, but as sheep without a Shepard.

            A.        A Merciful Heart

Brother, He never takes a day off and no matter how many times I come to Him, I’m not bugging Him. People are not an unconvinced to Jesus.

            B.         A Message To Hear

(Illus: compare His first coming to His second)