Jump Start # 2922

Matthew 10:42 “And whoever in the name of a disciple gives to one of these little ones even a cup of cold water to drink, truly I say to you he shall not lose his reward.”

The other day as I was driving in to the office, I was listening to the Wall Street Journal podcast. A discussion was focused on how to improve your career while working at home. Away from daily contact with co-workers and bosses, the good one does often goes unnoticed. This was a concern. Different people were interviewed. Tips were offered as to how to project yourself without being over the top. Subtle progress updates to your boss was thought to be one way of getting the recognition for the good that you do.

Interesting thoughts which carries us to our verse today. Here the Lord was letting the disciples know that the good they would do would be recognized. Giving water to a little one, one that may be insignificant and unable to do anything for you, is noticed and rewarded. The good that was done wasn’t much. A cup of cold water, that’s it. Not a case of bottled water. Not digging a well. Not paying the monthly water bill. Just one cup. That’s it. Not much. But good was done. Jesus tells the disciples that even that small act was seen by Heaven.

Now, some thoughts for us:

First, we must drop the business concepts when it comes to our spiritual journey with Christ. The church is not run like a business. Being recognized for the good you do, lacks humility, the spirit of service and it borders on pride. Don’t let the left hand know what the right hand is doing, were the words of Jesus. You won’t hear that on the Wall Street business network. Self promoting, whether it’s the yards we mow for others, the rides we give, the material we’ve published, the food we’ve taken, or the weeds we’ve pulled around the church building, loses the good because the attention has shifted to us. We are only the instruments. Don’t promote yourself nor brag about the things you have done.

Second, God knows. That’s what matters. You don’t even need to tell the Lord, He knows. Just keep doing the good that you can. You don’t need to tell others. You don’t need a shout out from the pulpit. The Lord knows. And, when you think about that, there standing is a long, long list from our Bibles of folks who have done so much more than we ever will. Rahab, who risked her own life to hide the spies. Joseph, who went to Pilate to ask for the body of Jesus so he could bury Him. What courage that took. Noah. Moses. David. Paul. Run through the names in Romans 16. So many have done so much. God knows what you have done.

Third, promoting ourselves will get things scrambled up in our minds and hearts. We can begin to think that we are better than others. Don’t go there, because that is not true. It can also make us think that we are the only one who is doing anything. Elijah went there. He was wrong. And, we will be wrong as well. There are so many things being done that most of us never know about. Cards mailed. Prayers offered. Money given. Food taken. Little deeds and acts of kindness, every single day. We are all in this together and we all need each other. Each of us must do what we can. No one can do it all. Some are better at one thing and others are better at something else. In describing spiritual gifts Paul illustrated that with different body parts. Hands. Eyes. Feet. Nose. Each part has different functions. Each part is necessary. Each part adds value.

Fourth, we preachers must be especially careful of promoting ourselves. We can believe that our value and worth is based upon how many churches want us in meetings or how well known our names are. Be careful. Our value is based in our faith to the Lord. Do your work the best you can. There comes a temptation to come out from behind that Cross and stand in front of it so you can be seen. And, when that happens, the attention is upon you and no longer the Cross. Some have paid a terrible price in becoming famous. Some have sold their soul to the devil, softened the message and pushed themselves more than Jesus Christ. Younger preachers struggle with this. I have been there. Just do your work. Do it well. Put your heart into it and the good you do will be evident to Heaven. The church doesn’t have rock stars. Being a brotherhood name, whatever that means, is fickle, vain and shallow. Don’t go there.

Finally, do all that you can, but don’t overlook the small and the simple things. A cup of cold water is something that even a child could give. Don’t be too important, too busy, too into yourself, that you couldn’t deliver that cup of cold water. That cold water might be an encouraging word. That cold water might be listening to someone. That cold water might be having someone to your home. The big plans, the big projects, the big picture all have a place, but so does a cup of cold water. Be sure that you can do that. Be sure that you can recognize who needs the cold water. Be sure that you can do more than tell others about the need, but that you can do what you can.

Recognizing the good that you are doing…I suppose in the business world that’s necessary to climb that corporate ladder. As one climbs, he’ll find out that it gets lonely at the top and everyone below you wants your spot. Even in the business world, let us remember the value of a cup of cold water.

Roger

Jump Start # 2321

Matthew 10:42 “And whoever in the name of a disciple gives to one of these little ones even a cup of cold water to drink, truly I say to you he shall not lose his reward.”

This passage is amazing. There is a reward given for the one who provides a cup of cold water. A cup, not a case of bottled water. Not a barrel of water. Not building a well. Just one cup and there is a reward attached to that.

What is impressive about that is that a cup of cold water seems like nothing. Anyone can do that, and I think that’s the point. Not everyone can fly a plane. Not everyone can hit the home run. Not everyone can throw the touchdown pass. Not everyone has the stomach to do surgery. Not everyone has the know how to fix a broken car. Not everyone can do home improvements. Not everyone has the gardener’s green thumb. Not everyone can cook. For some things, it takes years and years of schooling and experience. Other things requires vast amounts of money. But here, in this passage, it’s a cup of cold water.

What is also impressive is that just about anyone can do that. A small child can get a cup and get some water. An aged person can do that. In Bible times, it meant going to a well. But today, it’s a matter of going to the sink or the frig. A child who is still too young for school, can fetch some cold water. It doesn’t take four years of college to get cold water. One doesn’t have to have a large amount of money to get a cup of cold water. Anyone and everyone can do this. But do we?

Here are some thoughts:

First, we can overlook the simple because it is simple. We often want the grand, the big, the impressive solution. Rather than give a cup of cold water, let’s find a way to eliminate all thirst. That’s a big task. That may never be done. But in the mean time, that one cup helped one person. We can do this with evangelism. Acts 8 is a great place to see this. Philip was preaching in Samaria. Great things were happening. God pulled Philip away to go meet the Ethiopian. From the crowds, Philip went to one person. How he may have ignored this call because of all the people that were being reached. But God saw the value of one person. Give a cup of spiritual water to one person. That one person is as important as the great crowds.

Second, we often try to do the one big thing that will be remembered for a long time. The impressive gift. The one thing that no one expected. Large. Grand. Unforgettable. But here, it’s one cup of cold water. It helped for the moment. The thirsty person would likely be thirsty again, maybe even later in the day. A week later, especially a month and a year later, that one cup of cold water would likely be forgotten. It didn’t last. This is not the type of gift that compels someone to send you a thank you card. “Thanks for the cup of cold water” is not a greeting card you find in the store. It helped for the moment.

Third, a cup of cold water is more than just cold water. There are other things just like this. Holding a door open for someone to walk in. Helping an elderly person in or out of the car. Taking someone’s grocery cart for them so they don’t have to walk it back to the store. A smile. A hand shake. A kind word. A compliment. Helping someone pick up something that they dropped. An applause at the ballgame or concert. Allowing someone to have the parking space that you wanted. Sharing your umbrella. Moving over in church so someone can find a seat. Handing someone a song book opened to the right page. Helping the person next to you find a verse in their Bible. Writing a nice review to a place that excelled in service. Forgiving someone. Letting a person who made a mistake feel like it was nothing. Being kind. Lowering your voice. Letting others talk. A cup of cold water is nothing more than encouragement. It’s thinking about someone other than ourselves. It’s kindness in action. It’s love shown. It’s doing the right thing.

Fourth, although we probably have forgotten, most, if not all of us, have been given a cup of cold water by others. Look at that list in the third point. Many of those very things have been shared with us. We are people who have tasted the cold water of others. It happens every Sunday morning when you walk into the church building. Eyes light up. Smiles spread. People come to greet you, shake you hand and share their hearts with you. I love the preaching of Dee Bowman. He’s one of my heroes. He has a way of making Christianity attractive. What he does so well, is stand in the pulpit, and before he says his first word, he looks this way and then that way and just smiles. Everyone smiles back. He’s a master of that. We don’t realize it, but he has just dipped his cup in cold water and given each of us a good drink. I’ve seen preachers with frowns on their foreheads, screaming at the audience and it makes everyone feel afraid. Not my good brother Bowman. By the time he is finished with that sermon, you’d think everyone in the audience was his best friend. Cold water. We all have received it and we all know how good it is.

Fifth, those that are really good at encouraging, just do it naturally. They don’t write things down or have it on their to do list. They just see opportunities to smile, share, dip that cup in cold water, and they just do it. All day long. Every day. At work. In the neighborhood. In the home. At the church house. They just do not think about themselves. I’ve seen a preacher take off the very tie that he was wearing and give it to someone who really admired it. Cold water. I’ve seen a brother in a restaurant, see some others from the church sitting in another booth, and without saying anything to them, he picked up their bill, paid for it, and left quietly. Cold water. I’ve know folks to come over to a home where there was some sickness. And, they mowed, trimmed shrubs and cleaned the place up. Cold water. The list can go on and on. I’ve known so many folks who were naturals at giving cold water. And, what people remember, is not so much the cold water, but the kindness, the thoughtfulness and the love. It lifted spirits. It helped encourage. It reminded them that they were not alone, nor forgotten.

Cold water—do you have a cup with you? You might find someone today who could use a little drink.

Roger

Jump Start # 2210

Matthew 10:42 “And whoever in the name of a disciple gives to one of these little ones even a cup of cold water to drink, truly I say to you, he shall not lose his reward.”

The other day my wife was going through some tubs of papers that had many of our kids high school stuff, papers, pictures, news clippings and things like that. The kids are all married now and it’s time to pass some of these things on to them and it’s time to pitch some things. She’s better at pitching than I am. When you save and save things stack up and there comes a time when someone has to go through it all. In this process, she ran across a letter from a preacher. He has now passed on. I had preached the funeral of his daughter. When I stop and think about it I remember it, but it’s been some time ago. I had forgotten the letter. He was thanking me for my words and thanking the church for the support through that trying time. His letter was a cup of cold water to me. My wife put the letter on my desk. Keep it or pitch it? I chose to keep it. I have an old book with several famous preacher’s names in it and I think I will stick that letter there.

Our passage is just that. Someone needed a drink and someone gave a cup of cold water. He didn’t dig a well for the person. He didn’t purchase a pond for the person. He didn’t even give him a case of bottled water. One cup. It was what the Lord asked the Samaritan woman for. It doesn’t cost much. It doesn’t take much time to provide. But the benefit for the moment is the good that it accomplished. Later in the day, the thirsty person would need another drink of water. The next day, he need yet another drink of water. The one who provided the cup of water was not to take care of the thirst for the rest of his life. It was just that moment. It was just now.

So often we are looking for the big, life changing event that will make the trumpets of Heaven blow and will be long remembered. And, in so doing, we miss simple opportunities such as giving a drink of cold water to a thirsty person. A year later, even less than that, the thirsty person, as well as the one who gave the drink, may have forgotten the simple event. It wasn’t anything big, however it was the right thing to do. With the cold water, there wasn’t a lecture about why he didn’t have any water. There wasn’t a sermon about being better prepared. There wasn’t admonishing about carrying a water jug with you. No warnings were given about where are you going to get you next drink from. No threats came with the cup explaining that you only get one cup. None of that. A person simply gave a cup of cold water. No big deal, but it was enough that Heaven noticed. More than that, Heaven recognized that a reward comes with that.

In many ways, this passage is just like the old letter from the preacher to me. I’d forgotten about it. It touched my heart then and it did again the other day when I read it. That old preacher is on the other side. I expect he’s written dozens of letters throughout his life. Droplets of blessings that encouraged others. He may not have even remembered all the letters he wrote, but Heaven does.

Here’s some examples of cups of cold water that we don’t think much about:

• A Bible class teacher is missing her helper one day. There’s lots of kids in the class. You can tell by the look on her face that she’s not sure she can do this alone. You ask if you can sit in and help. What a wonderful cup of cold water.

• A man shows up for worship services. He pauses and looks and looks. Someone can tell that it’s his first time to be there. He walks up with a smile and a handshake and not only helps him find a seat, but asks if he can sit with him. A cup of cold water.

• An elderly Christian comes to the church building pushing a walker. Immediately several men run to the doors and they swing open widely for her. With smiles and words of joy she enters without any struggle. Simply a cup of cold water.

• A young man gives an invitation on Wednesday evening. It was really well thought out and he did a great job delivering it. You drop him a note letting him know how great it was seeing him doing that. A cup of cold water has been given.

• A man thanks the congregation for helping him during a trying time in his life. There has been calls, cards and food given to the man and his family. He has received multiple cups of water. But in his public thank you, he returns water by recognizing the love that abounds among each other.

• A person sits with a loved one in the hospital. It’s going to be a long day. Someone drops in over their lunch break and spends a few minutes with the family. Cold water has been given.

• There is a funeral that takes place during the week. There in the audience sits several of the shepherds. Many have taken off of work so they could be there. Their faces, their presence, more cold water.

What I want you to realize is that so many of us have been in this cold water business that we do not even realize it. We’d think, opening a door for someone is nothing. Neither is cold water. Sitting with someone in the hospital is no big deal. Neither is cold water. That’s simply the point.

The person with water thought enough of the thirsty person that he shared. You share your time, your words, your heart, your prayers with others. You think enough of others that nothing would stop you from doing this. While we may dismiss all of this as nothing, it is something to the thirsty person. It may not change his life, but it certainly helped him for the moment.

We cannot make the water, God does that. But we can share God’s blessings. Maybe you cannot preach the sermon, but you can share it with someone that needs to hear that message. Maybe you cannot write the article, but you can share it with someone who could be helped by it. Cups of cold water.

A grieving father, a fellow preacher, wrote me a letter a long time ago. Something I said helped him. His letter to me became a cup of cold water that encourage my heart. So often that’s truly what happens. That cup of cold water gets passed back and forth. Someone encourage us and in return we encourage them back and on and on it goes. It’s a wonderful blessing.

And to think, Heaven noticed. Heaven sees. I suppose Heaven would also see when we refuse to give water. Or, when we ignore someone who needs water. But here, in this passage, Jesus is reminding the disciples of the simple things that matter. They will be given water and they will give water. And, we do the same.

Get you cup ready. You just may need to help someone today.

Roger

Jump Start # 2164

Matthew 10:42 “And whoever in the name of a disciple gives to one of these little ones even a cup of cold water to drink, truly I say to you he shall not lose his reward.”

I was thinking about this passage the other day. What was accomplished doesn’t seem very significant. We tend to think in terms of numbers and volume. What would impress us would be someone who arranged for a truckload of bottled water to be delivered. Take care of hundreds would be impressive. Organize, facilitate, big, big, big.

But, here in our verse, it comes down to just a cup of cold water. One cup. One cup helping one person. Heaven noticed that. Heaven rewards that effort done. One person. One cup. It didn’t change a nation. It didn’t change a city. It didn’t rewrite history. It helped one person.

Now, stretch that thought out and consider some applications.

A preacher works hard on a lesson and pours his heart into it. It’s a rainy Sunday evening, and the crowd is small. The preacher goes home wondering if he did any good. Those thoughts take him even deeper in discouragement. He wonders if he is ever doing any good. He even wonders, what’s the point. The week ends, and he must work on more sermons for the next Sunday. He wonders if it will be the same. He doesn’t know if he can do this for a lifetime. The hours of study, and preparation that he pours into his sermons seems to be a lost cause.

A class is taught at the congregation and only a few show up. It’s the same feeling. Someone has a home Bible study, and only a handful show. It’s the same feeling.

But then, our passage comes to mind. It’s not about numbers. It’s about helping one person. Just a cup of cold water. That sermon preached on a Sunday night to a small crowd may seem like a waste of time, but there may have been that one soul who was touched and changed. There may have been that one young man who became inspired to stand where the preacher was standing.

We tend to lean toward the big side of things. Big crowds. Big classes. Big is always better we tend to think. We look at Jesus teaching multitudes, but then we are reminded of the preacher who left Samaria, where multitudes were responding to his preaching to go talk to one Ethiopian on a deserted road. One cup. One person. One soul.

I remember reading about the career of some old time preacher and he was said to have baptized 15,000 in his lifetime. I can’t say that. I can’t get close to that. It’s like comparing my little league career with Babe Ruth. There is no comparison. Numbers again. With this thinking, a preacher who leaves a small church for a larger church has made the correct corporate move. He’s moving on up, as was sung on the old TV show, Jefferson’s. Maybe he has financially, but don’t forget that one cup concept.

Helping one person is valuable to God. That one Bible study. That one lunch to listen to someone. That one conversation that encourages. That one on one with someone. Don’t overlook the good that can be done nor feel that this has been a waste of time because you only helped one. There is an old story about a guy walking along the beach that was covered with starfish. He’d bend down pick one up and toss it back into the water. There were hundreds of starfish on the beach. Someone watching this said, “Do you think you’ll make any difference? There are so many.” The man tossed one more in the water and said, “I just did to that one.”

So, three things come from our passage.

First, we must recognize who needs a cup of cold water. I must have my eyes open to those who are hurting. I must understand that some won’t say anything. There are those who actually need cold water. Others need refreshing encouragement. Others need to beneficial help of a friend. It does little good to take cold water to someone who is not thirsty.

Second, we must know where to find cold water. It’s one thing to see needs, but here is someone who is doing something about it. He wasn’t screaming at the government to do something. He was complaining that the church ought to be doing more. He wasn’t organizing a work party to take care of the needs. He found a cup and knew where cold water was and he did it himself. Cold water comes in being able to listen to someone. Cold water comes in the form of encouragement and support. Cold water is found in the Gospels. Paul told the Thessalonians to “comfort one another with these words.” God sent Titus to Paul to refresh his spirit. Philemon was sent a nice letter from Paul, encouraging him to do the right thing. Cold water comes in many fashions. Do you know where to find it?

Third, from the text it seems that Heaven recognized what was done, but the giver of cold water didn’t seem to blow his trumpet, tell others, or seek recognition. He did what he was supposed to do. He did what he could. He didn’t bring a bottle of Coke. He didn’t take care of tomorrow’s water supply. Just one cup. Just a moment of relief. And, he could have ruined the moment by thinking, I did something and you didn’t. He could have returned to his place of worship and told others what he did and made them feel bad. He didn’t do any of those things. He offered a cup of cold water and went on his way.

I expect years later, the man forgot about giving a cup of cold water. His kind, and his nature, he has probably done that dozens and dozens of times. He didn’t keep track. He just did what he could. Now, the man who needed the water, he may never have forgotten the kindness. Years later the two may cross paths again. The one would remind the other of the wonderful day that water was given. The one would be surprised. He had forgotten all about that. And, that’s the way it ought to be. We don’t give one cup and feel that our life’s duty is over. We should be given cups here and there, all the time. We do it because we can. We do it because the Lord has done the same for us. We do it because we’d certainly want someone to do it to us if we were thirsty.

It is an odd encounter when someone thanks your for a cup of cold water you gave years ago and you don’t remember. They have never forgotten and I suppose they thought that you would remember as well. But you don’t. You have given so many cups to so many people, who are jJump Start # 2164

Matthew 10:42 “And whoever in the name of a disciple gives to one of these little ones even a cup of cold water to drink, truly I say to you he shall not lose his reward.”

I was thinking about this passage the other day. What was accomplished doesn’t seem very significant. We tend to think in terms of numbers and volume. What would impress us would be someone who arranged for a truckload of bottled water to be delivered. Take care of hundreds would be impressive. Organize, facilitate, big, big, big.

But, here in our verse, it comes down to just a cup of cold water. One cup. One cup helping one person. Heaven noticed that. Heaven rewards that effort done. One person. One cup. It didn’t change a nation. It didn’t change a city. It didn’t rewrite history. It helped one person.

Now, stretch that thought out and consider some applications.

A preacher works hard on a lesson and pours his heart into it. It’s a rainy Sunday evening, and the crowd is small. The preacher goes home wondering if he did any good. Those thoughts take him even deeper in discouragement. He wonders if he is ever doing any good. He even wonders, what’s the point. The week ends, and he must work on more sermons for the next Sunday. He wonders if it will be the same. He doesn’t know if he can do this for a lifetime. The hours of study, and preparation that he pours into his sermons seems to be a lost cause.

A class is taught at the congregation and only a few show up. It’s the same feeling. Someone has a home Bible study, and only a handful show. It’s the same feeling.

But then, our passage comes to mind. It’s not about numbers. It’s about helping one person. Just a cup of cold water. That sermon preached on a Sunday night to a small crowd may seem like a waste of time, but there may have been that one soul who was touched and changed. There may have been that one young man who became inspired to stand where the preacher was standing.

We tend to lean toward the big side of things. Big crowds. Big classes. Big is always better we tend to think. We look at Jesus teaching multitudes, but then we are reminded of the preacher who left Samaria, where multitudes were responding to his preaching to go talk to one Ethiopian on a deserted road. One cup. One person. One soul.

I remember reading about the career of some old time preacher and he was said to have baptized 15,000 in his lifetime. I can’t say that. I can’t get close to that. It’s like comparing my little league career with Babe Ruth. There is no comparison. Numbers again. With this thinking, a preacher who leaves a small church for a larger church has made the correct corporate move. He’s moving on up, as was sung on the old TV show, Jefferson’s. Maybe he has financially, but don’t forget that one cup concept.

Helping one person is valuable to God. That one Bible study. That one lunch to listen to someone. That one conversation that encourages. That one on one with someone. Don’t overlook the good that can be done nor feel that this has been a waste of time because you only helped one. There is an old story about a guy walking along the beach that was covered with starfish. He’d bend down pick one up and toss it back into the water. There were hundreds of starfish on the beach. Someone watching this said, “Do you think you’ll make any difference? There are so many.” The man tossed one more in the water and said, “I just did to that one.”

So, three things come from our passage.

First, we must recognize who needs a cup of cold water. I must have my eyes open to those who are hurting. I must understand that some won’t say anything. There are those who actually need cold water. Others need refreshing encouragement. Others need to beneficial help of a friend. It does little good to take cold water to someone who is not thirsty.

Second, we must know where to find cold water. It’s one thing to see needs, but here is someone who is doing something about it. He wasn’t screaming at the government to do something. He was complaining that the church ought to be doing more. He wasn’t organizing a work party to take care of the needs. He found a cup and knew where cold water was and he did it himself. Cold water comes in being able to listen to someone. Cold water comes in the form of encouragement and support. Cold water is found in the Gospels. Paul told the Thessalonians to “comfort one another with these words.” God sent Titus to Paul to refresh his spirit. Philemon was sent a nice letter from Paul, encouraging him to do the right thing. Cold water comes in many fashions. Do you know where to find it?

Third, from the text it seems that Heaven recognized what was done, but the giver of cold water didn’t seem to blow his trumpet, tell others, or seek recognition. He did what he was supposed to do. He did what he could. He didn’t bring a bottle of Coke. He didn’t take care of tomorrow’s water supply. Just one cup. Just a moment of relief. And, he could have ruined the moment by thinking, I did something and you didn’t. He could have returned to his place of worship and told others what he did and made them feel bad. He didn’t do any of those things. He offered a cup of cold water and went on his way.

I expect years later, the man forgot about giving a cup of cold water. His kind, and his nature, he has probably done that dozens and dozens of times. He didn’t keep track. He just did what he could. Now, the man who needed the water, he may never have forgotten the kindness. Years later the two may cross paths again. The one would remind the other of the wonderful day that water was given. The one would be surprised. He had forgotten all about that. And, that’s the way it ought to be. We don’t give one cup and feel that our life’s duty is over. We should be given cups here and there, all the time. We do it because we can. We do it because the Lord has done the same for us. We do it because we’d certainly want someone to do it to us if we were thirsty.

It is an odd encounter when someone thanks your for a cup of cold water you gave years ago and you don’t remember. They have never forgotten and I suppose they thought that you would remember as well. But you don’t. You have given so many cups to so many people, who are just thankful that the Lord has put you in a place where you can help.

This passage also shows that we need each other and that we need to care for one another. Without the cup, without the water and without a sharing heart that brought the water, someone would have been in a bad way. We need each other. We are there for each other. Some of us are thirsty and others are bringing water. The next time, the roles may change. And, once you have been given a cup of cold water, it makes you think of others that you can help. It changes you. You’ve had food brought to your house after a funeral. The next time there is a death, it makes you realize the good that is done and you jump in and bring your cup of cold water.

Such a simple verse. Such a powerful principle. Something we all could do. Not all of us can build a house. Not all of us could afford steak. Not all of us have room in our homes. But one cup of cold water, sure we can do that. All of us can do that.

And, that’s the idea.

Roger
ust thankful that the Lord has put you in a place where you can help.

This passage also shows that we need each other and that we need to care for one another. Without the cup, without the water and without a sharing heart that brought the water, someone would have been in a bad way. We need each other. We are there for each other. Some of us are thirsty and others are bringing water. The next time, the roles may change. And, once you have been given a cup of cold water, it makes you think of others that you can help. It changes you. You’ve had food brought to your house after a funeral. The next time there is a death, it makes you realize the good that is done and you jump in and bring your cup of cold water.

Such a simple verse. Such a powerful principle. Something we all could do. Not all of us can build a house. Not all of us could afford steak. Not all of us have room in our homes. But one cup of cold water, sure we can do that. All of us can do that.

And, that’s the idea.

Roger

Jump Start # 637

Matthew 10:42 “And whoever in the name of a disciple gives to one of these little ones even a cup of cold water to drink, truly I say to you, he shall not lose his reward.”

It is interesting to trace the numerous times in the Bible that the word “water” is used. Water is an essential to life—not just ours, but all life. Without water, plants dry up and die. Without water animals die. Without water, we die

• In the creation account God separated the land from the water
• Elijah filled a trench with water and soaked his sacrifice before God sent fire from above demonstrating that He alone was God
• Nicodemus was told by Jesus that a person must be born of water and spirit or else he cannot enter the kingdom of Heaven
• Peter told the audience at Pentecost to be baptized for the remission of their sins
• The rich man begged Abraham to send Lazarus to dip his finger in water and cool off his tongue
• Jesus defined Himself as the living water

In our times, we don’t think much about water. We don’t have to gather at a well to draw the water we need to cook and clean. The ancient wells were not only the source of water, they were occasions to visit, catch up on news, discuss politics and share life. About the only times we really think about water is when there are floods or droughts. Hot weather, dry ground, and clear skies, remind us of how important water is.

Our passage has to do with the simple act of giving water to someone who has need. There are two emphasis within this verse—both looking at the insignificant things.

First, “even a cup of cold water.” The stress upon the word, “even,” implies that it is understood that a cup of cold water doesn’t seem like much. In the ancient world a person could draw water from a well for free. Jesus asked the Samaritan woman for water. She was amazed that He had nothing to draw with. A person wouldn’t normally come to a well without a bucket or a dipper of some sort. She thought it was odd that Jesus was at the well with noting. Water doesn’t cost much money or effort. The passage is showing that even the smallest of gifts or kindness makes a difference. We wouldn’t think much of giving someone a bottle of water who was working in the hot sun. A few months later, and especially ten years later, that act would be long forgotten. Had we given someone money to go to college—we’d remember that. Had we given someone a month’s rent, a car payment, a bag full of groceries—we’d not only remember that, but we’d tend to expect a thank you card in the mail. Cold water? Think nothing of it. But it makes a difference, especially to the one who is thirsty. One cup doesn’t solve all his problems. One cup isn’t a life time gift. It’s simple. It’s for now. It doesn’t even take care of later. Yet God noticed. It is an act of kindness. It shows thoughtfulness and compassion.

Second, “one of these little ones.” Jesus liked talking about the “little ones.” The “little ones” are often overlooked. Giving a cup of cold water to the star, the hero, the king makes us look good. They may honor us. They may have us sit with them at a banquet. Their people may contact our people. But a little one isn’t like that. They don’t have “their people.” They aren’t in the position of prominence. They are overlooked in a crowd. They are common. They are everywhere. Many will serve a king, but will anyone serve the servant? The little one is one of God’s children. The little one has a soul. The little one is as important as the “Big One.” Give cold water to the little one.

Do you know any little ones? This is not about size—a big guy compared to a short guy. This is not about age, little ones being children. This is about one’s lot in life. The CEO who runs the company is known. He’s rich and he lives in a big house. Yet it’s the little ones in the factory that keep the company going. They often work long hard hours and do not receive near the pay that the CEO does. Little ones—it could be the widow in the church, or the single person who just never married, or the person that scrapes by. The cold water is not given to a person who has water, but to the one who needs water.

I expect if we thought about it, we all have “little ones” in our lives. Good people who just don’t have much. Folks who are trying. Disciples who love the Lord. They fill our Bible classes. They may never teach, but without them, there would be no class. The teacher gets praise and compliments, but it’s the little ones who learn, grow and get stronger. The little ones may never contribute much money, but they, like the poor widow Jesus saw, do what they can. They may never preach a sermon, but they show up and often bring a friend. I think sometimes we make too much of the “big ones,” and not enough of the “little ones.”

Can you do something for a little one? Even a cup of cold water helps. Don’t ignore them because they are little. Society has always had different classes of people. First class on ships had nice comfort. Third class was in the bottom of the boat. The “Upstairs” people were served by the “downstairs” people. Some would want to end all class systems and have a form of communism or socialism. That has proven not to work. Those that have need to look after those that do not have. The little ones are important to God. They are not more important than the big ones, yet they are not less important. God loves all His children.

When Harry Truman became President of the Untied States, someone said to his mother, “You must be proud to have a son in the White House.” She said she was and she was just as proud of her other son who lived down the street from her. Big ones and little ones. Love them all and serve them when and where you can.

Roger