Jump Start # 490 

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 love the holiday season—the lights, the sounds, and mostly what it does to people. People seem to be nicer around Christmas time. There are secret Santa’s and those random acts of kindness everywhere. Strangers speak and people just seem to be a better moods. Maybe it’s because people actually believe that Santa keeps a naughty and nice list. Whatever the cause, it’s nice to see.

 Our passage has nothing to do with Christmas, but it does with the spirit of Christ. Random acts of kindness are characteristics of God’s people. In our verse, Jesus identifies two interesting thoughts.

  First, doing things for “one of these little ones.” This is not the only time Jesus would use that expression. He seemed more concerned about “the little ones” than He was “the big ones.” I don’t think Jesus is talking about size of people, nor age of people, but age and size of faith. Little ones may well be those new disciples, those young disciples, those tender disciples. They are vulnerable and impressionable. They need attention. They need growth. A dear friend gave me some little trees to plant at my place. They looked like little bitty sticks. I planted them and noticed about a day or two later that those little twigs became the buffet for the deer and rabbits. There’s not much left of those little things now. In the spiritual way, Jesus was concerned about the young disciple.

  Second, a cup of cold water. A cup of cold water isn’t much. It sure doesn’t cost much. It’s easier and cheaper than a cup of coffee or a can of Coke. Just about anyone can give a cup of cold water. Cold water is so refreshing when a person is really thirsty. I have wondered how folks in Jesus’ day got cold water. It had to come from a well. I have tasted well water on a hot summer day. It was so cold and so good.

  Acts of kindness often don’t seem like much from a giver’s standpoint, but they are so appreciated from those who are on the receiving end. Cups of cold water come in many sizes and shapes. I’ve seen the kind words and heart felt hugs given at church after someone said that they needed some help. I’ve seem the tears in the eyes of several as words of comfort were shared to a person whose family member was near death. I’ve seen folks have folded dollar bills in their hands as they shook the hands of someone else. They gave the gift of money to someone who needed it.

  The givers of cold water are a special breed of people. They think nothing of sitting in hospitals, writing encouraging notes, helping someone move, taking someone out to lunch and thousands of other things they do. They move so swiftly and effortlessly. They help this disciple today, that family tomorrow, someone else next week. Always looking for what they can do. Their timing is perfect. Often when a person is about to their limit, in sweeps one of these givers with their cold water and they save the day. These givers of cold water never keep track of what they have done, nor do they tell others, that would ruin the spirit of what they do. They just love to help others. Their biggest regret is that they can’t do more. They would if they could. Some of these givers don’t have much themselves but they just like helping others.

  And Jesus says they shall not lose their reward. Reward? For a simple cup of cold water? Yes. It’s not the cold water, it’s the act of kindness, love and generosity. It’s making the effort. It’s going out of their way. It’s doing what makes a difference in someone’s life.

  These givers of cold water do not have to be told, they know. They see. It’s the way God has equipped them. Their ears listen to the needs of others. They hear things that most don’t. They notice what most overlook.

  Jesus was like that. Remember the bent over woman in the synagogue? She was that way for a long time. Most likely she took her place in the back of the assembly. Most likely she worshipped on a regular basis. Most didn’t seem to pay much attention to her, maybe even whispered about how slow she was, or how she was blocking the way. Jesus saw something different. He called her to the front where he was. All would see her. She was healed. She was  called by Jesus a “daughter of Abraham.” He gave her a cup of cold water.

  Those who have received the cold water need to be thankful and they generally are for the kind acts of love and devotion.

  The passage reminds us that Heaven also notices. Those kind acts tend to make Heaven tip it’s hat and wink it’s eye. It’s as if the Lord is saying, “Well done!”

  We see acts of kindness in December as Christmas nears. How about in July or January? By then, most have returned to their old selves, which tends to be indifference and selfish. Not the disciples of Jesus. They are busy going to the well for another cup of cold water. Someone out there is thirsty, and they have just the thing they need.

  Are you seeing anyone thirsty? Grab your cup, and head to the well…they need you.

Roger