The Reminder
Volume XXXVIII, #35: Lots of Cups of Cold Water (reprise)
[[This is a reprint of the article that ran a year ago, the first Sunday after Hurricane Harvey. I hope we do not soon forget the great difficulty that so many of our brothers and sisters faced, as well as the outpouring of love that was shown to them by Christians here, in the region, and all over the country.]]
“...the one who receives a righteous person because he is a righteous person will receive a righteous person's reward. And whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward.” (Matthew 10:40-42)
We are likely familiar with this statement of Jesus, that whoever gives “even a cup of cold water” in His name will by rewarded for that deed. The great comfort is that even the smallest act of kindness is noticed by God, and is in fact not a small thing at all. I've thought about this verse and this idea a lot in the last couple weeks, because I have witnessed this verse in action quite a bit. There have been a lot of things done since Hurricane Harvey rolled in that may seem small, but I am confident have been noticed by God and been pleasing to Him. Can you imagine Jesus saying...
• Whoever calls his brother or sister to check on them during the flood... • Whoever brings cookies to the house of a flooded family...
• Whoever takes lunch to people working at someone’s home...
• Whoever buys cleaning supplies to distribute to those cleaning up...
• Whoever opens their home to someone who is displaced...
• Whoever donates a few dollars to the flood relief fund...
• Whoever shows up at the house of a flooded sister to see what can be done... • Whoever buys clothes for a brother who has lost most of his wardrobe...
• Whoever offers for someone to borrow his or her car...
• Whoever watches kids so that mom and dad can go help...
• Whoever shows up at the church building to help get it ready...
• Whoever sends an encouraging text message to someone who is hurting...
I can imagine Jesus saying these things and many more examples of things I have either forgotten or not even noticed. And it is not just a handful of people doing these things, but many of our congregation. So to everyone who has given “even a cup of cold water”: God has noticed, and you shall be no means lose your reward.
But looking at this passage afresh as I write this article, I notice that there is a bigger idea in the context than simply doing something nice for someone else. The focus of Jesus’ words leading up to the famous statement is about recognizing those that are righteous, those that are prophets, those who are followers of Jesus—and doing something for them. In that context, the "cup of cold water” is not just a kind deed, but it is a statement of allegiance. The act of service says, “we are on the same side—the Lord’s side—and I want to do whatever I can to help you as you live for Him.
That has been the real power of what has gone on here since the rain. Acts of service and kindness should not be minimized, and it has been wonderful to see all the good that so many are doing all around the region. But it is an extra special thing to see Christians helping Christians— demonstrating by word and action that we are all in this together. Praise God for His beautiful plan of the church!
- 20180902_Reminder_xxxviii_35.pdf (96.90 kB)
