Giving a Cup of Cold Water
- Ronald J. Chewning
- Jul 3
- 2 min read
During Jesus’ last three years on earth, He spent much time nourishing and teaching His disciples. Only when they were prepared to go out into the world to preach, teach, and heal did He send them. Leaving without provisions, the disciples were totally dependent upon those whom the Lord would send them for their support. The disciples relied upon the power of the Gospel to move the hearts of their listeners who would willingly provide for their needs. They were to travel light and trust in the Lord.
In Matthew 6:40-42 Jesus, referring to His disciples, said, “He who receives you receives Me, and he who receives Me receives the One who sent Me. Anyone who receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and anyone who receives a righteous man because he is a righteous man will receive a righteous man’s reward. And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is My disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward.” Jesus told His disciples that whoever gives to you is also giving to Him. Although support today doesn’t fund the work of the 12 original disciples, we assist the spreading of the Gospel by supporting today’s disciples and missionaries around the world. As we provide for church workers locally and abroad in the name of Jesus, we are serving the Lord Himself.
As we express our Christian faith through our giving and serving, God is pleased. God notices every act of compassion and kindness that we express. In the verse above, He refers to even the simple gesture of giving a cup of cold water to a thirsty person. Through our faith, we are empowered to do acts of service. When we act in response to the Lord and not for recognition, God will bless us. Having already been assured of salvation by God’s grace through faith, blessings such as peace, contentment, patience, and hope are added rewards.
Only a small number of people make their living as full-time church workers, but we all are given the privilege and opportunity to be Christ’s ambassadors. May God bless us all as we work to further His kingdom.
Ronald J. Chewning
12 Months of Congregational Stewardship
