Tuesday, July 22, 2014

"A Cup of Cold Water" - Tim Williams

Have you ever been really thirsty for a drink of water?  Seems like there is nothing else that quenches our thirst like water.  A drink of water is not only refreshing but actually a necessity! Experts say you can only live a few days without water.  Interestingly, a drink of water is often offered as a courtesy as well.  Many restaurants provide a glass of water with your meal (at no cost) and often when you visit someone's home or business they offer you a choice of beverages including water.  So many public places have water fountains and so many businesses have a water cooler.  Many of us keep a bottle of water nearby. . . (Are you thirsty yet?)  :)

In the Bible there are some references to a drink of water.  The unique story in 1 Chronicles 11 of David wanting a drink of water from the Bethlehem well is stirring.  Three brave men fought their way through enemy territory to get it for him; and then he offered it as an offering to the Lord.  (I can relate to his specific thirst as there is a mountain river in Colorado that I used to drink from 40+ years ago, and I can still taste it!)  Jesus asked the woman at the well for a drink of water (John 4).  In Hell the rich man longs for even a drop of water but there is none. (Luke 16).  In this week's text Jesus teaches us that sharing a drink of water can be a blessing to both the giver and the recipient. 

Giving someone a drink of water seems like a very small deed, and yet Jesus says it can bring eternal reward!  Often folk help in ministry in seemingly "small" ways but without them services and programs would be difficult or ineffective.  I can't begin to list all the "cups of water" that get served in the work of God, but HE knows each one and honors them.

Listen to what Jesus said about the "drink of water" that He offers.  "…but whoever drinks the water that I give them will never thirst.  Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life." John 4:14

So next time you offer or are offered a drink of water, remember that behind that small kindness are lessons of courtesy, necessity, ministry, and the Gospel!  

So grab your favorite cup and come to church.  See you Sunday!

1.  Who are the little ones who are given the cup of cold water in Matthew 10:42?

2.   What guarantee does Jesus make in Matthew 10:42?

3.  In Matthew 10:41 Jesus mentions other rewards...any ideas what they might be?

4.  Besides the Samaritan well, where else is Jesus thirsty?  John 19:28

5.  Study the Old Testament Gospel call of Isaiah 55:1.

6.  We have been learning a lot about how Jesus is so powerfully displayed throughout the Old Testament.  How does the Apostle Paul do that with ancient Israel and their wilderness wanderings?
1 Corinthians 10:1-3; Exodus 17:1-6

7.  In our text Jesus says that giving a drink of water can be an important ministry.  Where else does He teach this same truth?  Matthew 25:34-40  

8.  Can you think of the equivalent of some simple "cups of cold water" that people share in serving our Lord?

9.  What is the final Gospel call of the Scriptures?  Revelation 22:17