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
