Originally posted on Facebook January 15, 2021
Theme Verse:
“For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it.” Mark 8:35
“Lose” from the Greek word “Apollymi” means “to destroy fully.” It is translated “lose” in our verse for today.
“And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.”
Matthew 10:42
Chapter 10 is certainly a difficult chapter for the new Christian and the casual Christian.. All of this talk about losing ourselves, taking up crosses and well, it can just be overwhelming. What even does it mean to “LOSE” myself?!?
And yet I find the last 3 verses are so precious for the Christian just beginning to understand what it means to truly follow Christ. If there is a preacher who is following Christ, if there is a righteous man that you know who is following Christ, if there is a disciple of Christ, follow them as they follow Christ. Jesus said if you receive them you are receiving Him. “Receive” means to accept, to give ear to and to learn what is being taught.
“Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.” I Corinthians 11:1
Providing a cup of cold water in the name of a prophet is simply taking that challenge from a sermon or lesson to serve others and actually putting it into practice by serving others as you have been served. Did a follower of Christ teach you something that was so very refreshing to your parched and weary soul? Pass the water please! There are many more thirsty souls!!
To the Christian who says I don’t even know where to start?! Our text today gives the answer - “these little ones.” Start in a children’s ministry. Rock a baby in the nursery. Help out in a toddler class. Be the extra set of helping hands during craft time in a Sunday School class. Sit by an unruly child in junior church. Be a silent partner during bus visitation on Saturdays, then ride the bus the next day.
Get started losing today! Pass out the cool refreshing water of God’s Word to young parched souls. You’ll not lose your reward.❤️