MATTHEW 10:42

And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward.”

TO PONDER

Jesus is giving instructions to his disciples on what life will be (or should be) like as they answer the call to follow him. Yes, there will be some big and exciting stuff like performing miracles and providing healing, but there will also be challenges and opposition.  They will even be tempted to give up and go back home to what they were doing before their call by Jesus. Jesus’s teaching ends with the verse above.

You will notice that cup of cold water is not being offered to those outside the group but to the extended group of Jesus’s disciples, even the quiet, insignificant ones. I see this as a call to the way we care for one another within our congregations or small groups (depending on our individual situations).

I am reminded of a former member of our church (who has now gone home to be with her Lord) as she would watch out for any visitors to our worship services, or anyone standing alone after the service, and go and talk to them.  She would then take them to a group of members standing around with their tea or coffee having a chat and introduce this person to the group. (And often she would then leave the group to see who else may need some company.)

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, please open our eyes to see the opportunities around us to live out your love, even if it is just as simple as a cup of refreshment. Amen

Today's devotion written by Charles Bertelsmeier, LifeWay Epping