What is this?
(Beyond the obvious, that is.)
A cup of cold water is more than a cup of cold water. (In modern vernacular, think of it as a bottle of water.) And giving a cup of cold water is more than handing someone a container of liquid. How is that? It is:
- Refreshment
- Encouragement
- A caring act
- A tangible expression of connection
It can be more and almost anything depending on the context and circumstances. The bottom line is that it is a symbolic act that carries purpose and causes results that far exceed the literal components. This is why I said that a cup of cold water is more than a cup of cold water.
And God says that this is important. Even the literal act is important to Him, however, I believe the symbolism is to what Jesus refers in today’s Scripture passage. When you connect with someone and intentionally do something that furthers their purpose in God, you share in both the purpose and the reward for it. This is the result of the symbolic cup of cold water.
This is the deeper understanding of Jesus’ words in this passage–the meaning in the white space (reading between the lines). In Scripture, there is almost always more than one meaning, level, application, etc. Train yourself to look for it. If it is not obvious, search it out. Today’s message is an example of this.
These verses have been applied to “fundraising” for ministries. It is valid in this because when you support a ministry, you share in the reward for what that ministry accomplishes. I have said this regarding financial support of E-MIN–and I believe it.
It goes far beyond this, however. When you pray for a ministry, it works the same way. And let’s take it even further. In verse 42, Jesus says, “And if you give even a cup of cold water to one of the least of my followers…” How does this work?
Yesterday’s TS message was about giving what you have to give. I spoke of praying for others. Applying that to this concept, Jesus words could be something like: “And if you give even a prayer of encouragement to one of the least of my followers…” I hope this helps you understand it.
What is your “cup of cold water”? What do you have to give? It may be to pray for someone. It may be to give money, help, resources, etc. It may be to give time. It may be to encourage. It can be anything God has given you to do or that you are able or equipped to do, perhaps a gift or talent, means or resources. It can be anything that you can do for someone who needs what you have to give.
The first step is to be aware that you have something to give–and we ALL do. The next is to be willing to give it when the opportunity presents–and it will.
Who needs what you have to give today? Be aware and recognize the opportunity. It is coming. Holy Spirit will lead you to it or it to you. Don’t close your heart and miss it.
Today’s Seed™ Scripture and Prayer for Mar. 10, 2023:
“Anyone who welcomes you is welcoming me, and anyone who welcomes me is welcoming the Father who sent me. If you welcome a prophet as one who speaks for God, you will receive the same reward a prophet gets. And if you welcome good and godly people because of their godliness, you will be given a reward like theirs. And if you give even a cup of cold water to one of the least of my followers, you will surely be rewarded.” (Mat 10:40-42 NLT)
Prayer: LORD, little things are important to You and how I treat others is important to You. Though giving a cup of cold water to someone is not a “big thing” or an overtly spiritual act, You said it was important. Help me recognize opportunities to give or do service to others in ways that are important to You. Thank You for every opportunity You will bring across my path. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
(c) 2023 Randall Vaughn • All Rights Reserved • http://www.e-min.org
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Today’s Seed™ by Randall Vaughn is published daily (M-F) by E-MIN Global Ministries, P O Box 220, Warrior, AL 35180 (USA) • www.e-min.org • Copyright Terms/Permissions/List Privacy www.e-min.org/tp.htm
Scripture quotations marked “NLT” are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright 1996, 2004. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.
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“Today’s Seed” from E-MIN • Mar. 10, 2023
About Randall Vaughn:
With 40+ years as pastor, author, teacher, worship leader, and songwriter, Randall pioneered E-MIN in 1997–one of the earliest online ministries and today the longest operating. His passion is leading people to deeper, genuine relationship with God. He lives in Alabama with his lovely wife, Karen, and their dogs, Hadi and Casi. He enjoys hiking, exploring new tech, and “prayer walks”.
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