At one point, Ned was talking about good books. He gave me an illustration from a book he read recently where the author discussed churches as cattle ranches. I don't remember the name of the book, but apparently, the author said some churches build fences around the cattle - this helps keep the varmints out and the cattle in. While this sort of works, it also ensures the fenced in church will inevitably become inwardly obsessed and protectionist. We will not easily welcome those whom Jesus would have us welcome. And that's bad.
On the other hand, some churches use a more Australian method of cattle ranching. Instead of good fences, they drill good, deep wells. Because the grass is too thin, the land too broad and fencing just too difficult, these churches instead gather the cattle by means of attraction. If we drill the deepest, freshest and coolest well in the land, we will never lack thirsty cattle. And if the deep well around which we gather is Jesus and the Word of God which helps us know Him - we will always draw and sustain the herds around us.
It seems to me this is yet another lovely Elim oasis metaphor.
May God help us drill deeply into the well water! May we find and sustain ourselves with only Living Water! May the cool, fresh waters flow constantly from Elim Church!
Amen.
