FLOURISHING IN UNITY

Then they came to Elim, where there were twelve wells of water and seventy palm trees; so they camped there by the waters – Exodus 15:27

The palm tree FLOURISHES IN UNITY. One palm tree standing alone will provide limited shade from the burning sun; but a group of palm trees form an OASIS. This is an area made fertile by a source of freshwater in an otherwise dry and arid region. Oasis forms in the desert due to underground aquiver, river, natural spring or other water source beneath the surface that creates enough pressure for water to seep to the surface. The water accumulates below the sand because of rocks beneath which water cannot permeate. The oasis becomes naturally fertile for plants such as dates, cotton, olives, figs, citrus fruits, wheat and maize. Oases usually attract attention as they appear as green spots from several kilometres away. The location of oases has been of vital significance for trade and transportation routes in desert areas. Caravans would normally travel via oases to replenish supplies of water and food. Moreover, political or military dominance of an oasis has often meant control of trade on a particular route.

The Oasis as a fertile or green spot in the desert symbolizes refreshing, rest, life and love. Whereas the desert is symbolic of all the hardships, obstacles, and trials that stand between people and their dreams, the oasis represents a type of shelter from the storm; a moment of respite from the harsh desert conditions. The oasis provides the replenishment of strength to continue even in the face of formidable challenges or difficulties. Out of something that has come to symbolize a lack of life, something devoid of vitality, the oasis emerges. For desert travellers, it requires determination, patience and perseverance to discover the oasis. It takes time and commitment, but you know it when you see it. It takes faith to see the oasis, because although oases are real, they may first appear like an illusion in the desert!

ELIM – meaning “strong trees” – was the second encampment of the Israelites after crossing the Red Sea. It was a place with “twelve wells of water and seventy palm trees” and the Israelites “camped there by the waters” (Exo.15:27; Num.33:9). Elim was located between Marah and the Wilderness of Sin. Marah – meaning “bitterness” – was the place of bitter waters (v.23). Elim was the place of refreshing, rest, and restoration. The wells of water and palm trees paint a picture of an oasis in the desert. Elim came after God had said, “For I am the LORD who heals you” (v.26). The numbers twelve and seventy add the dimension of ‘flourishing’ to the fascinating picture. In another sense the twelve wells and seventy palm trees represent anointed ministries that refresh the Body of Christ with God’s Word and Spirit. First, the Lord called and sent out twelve disciples to preach and heal (Mt.10:1,7-8). Thereafter, He “appointed seventy others” to heal and preach (Lk.10:1,9). His Word is medicine to all our flesh (Pro.4:22). His Words are “spirit and they are life” (Jh.6:63).

The lesson of the oasis to believers in Christ is that we stay together and stand in Unity as Christians. The oasis speaks of the Unction in Unity: “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in UNITY. It is like the precious oil…” (Psa.133:1-2a).  A group of Palm trees forming an oasis tells us to “Come in and stay in the Church”! The oasis provides shade for the tired and weak. Often in the desert, orange and lemon trees grow under the shade of the palms that are grouped together. When we come together in the church, we provide protection for others. This the New Testament also confirms: “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching” (Heb.10:25). Paul, talking about Christian Growth describes how the Church is to attain “the UNITY of the Faith and the knowledge of the Son of God” and to become “a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ” (Eph.4:13).