A Cup of Cold Vinegar in Jesus' Name

And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to 

one of these little ones because he is my disciple, 

I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward."   

Matthew 10:42 (NIV)

It has occurred to me that Jesus' words and others in the Bible that talk about "sharing a cup of cold water" with others have become grossly distorted in the lives of today's Christ-followers.  


I don't know about you, but I'm a big water-drinker.  I rarely drink sodas or sweet tea these days (although I agree with the sentiment that sweet tea is the "house wine of the Southland", and I have NO idea how anyone could even entertain the notion of drinking it unsweetened!)  Pepsi is fine with some things like pizza, and I will drink tea occasionally, but when it comes to quenching thirst, there is only one beverage in my opinion, sweet Carolina spring water!  When I first began working with a missions agency in Northern Mexico, leading students in learning to build homes for poverty-stricken locals, we were reminded by the first aid team that sodas contain so much sugar that drinking one not only fails to hydrate your body, but requires more than four times the same volume of pure water to clear the sugar from your system.  In essence, to drink sugar-sweetened drinks depletes your body of water even more, so the effect is quite the opposite of staying hydrated by drinking water.


In biblical times, as is still the case in much of the world today, the availability of fresh, clean water was the primary limiting factor on human life.  Before the advent of well-drilling technology, hand-digging a well with no means of accurately determining the likelihood of actually striking water, was at best an often-futile venture.  One of my dear friends, Kieth Larrimore, finds his ministry calling in teaching technological principles and skills that can be transferred and applied in various places.  One of his primary focuses is teaching well-drilling and water-acquisition technologies to missionaries headed to third-world countries.  If you don't know it, water-borne illnesses still kill a tremendous number of people around the world and many people die for lack of clean, drinkable water in the world each month.  In a big way, Kieth's ministry is about "teaching people to fish"--about teaching missionaries to teach local people in remote places how to acquire and manage clean water sources.  I'm saying it just because he's an amazing friend to me, but Kieth is a really good example of someone who has recognized his God-given talents and passions, found a practical way to apply them, and rejoices in serving God where he's been planted.  God grant that we would all find that kind of fulfillment in life!


So, when Scripture speaks of "offering cold water" in Jesus' name, the reference is to more than refreshment--it's talking about giving life!  When we offer a cold cup (or perhaps a dipper-gourd or mason jar-full?) of chilly water to a friend, stranger or enemy in His name, we bring refreshment for the moment, but in that refreshing, we also give new passion and energy for life.  How often have I been rejuvenated by a swig of ice water from a quart Mason jar, wrapped in a brown paper bag and carried to the hayfield by my loving grandmother?  How many times has even a sip of cool water cleared the dust of Mexican streets or Appalachian gravel roads or Alpine trails from my lungs and not only reduced my body temperature, but also given me the sense that I might go on a bit longer, keep pushing to load the last bale or finish shingling the roof or building the wall or climbing the mountain?  To be sure, more than refreshment comes from this gift of cool water, both literally and figuratively.


In the figurative realm, which likely is more of what Jesus had in mind, our gifts of refreshment may consist of cool water...or homemade jam, or a cup of coffee (even if it's from the office dripolator--it's better than nothin'!)  We might give a smile or a hug or best of all, maybe some kind words or a listening ear.  Sometimes, we must fall back on the Ministry of Presence, for those situations where there are no cheering words and trite sayings would be like pouring salt on an open wound.  The point of Jesus' words is this: ALL ministry to others in His name is worthy of reward from God, and nothing we do to serve and bless our fellow man goes unnoticed in heaven.  


The problem, I think, comes in with human nature.  Within each of us, as a result of Adam's sin, is a deep-seated urge to justify ourselves.  And when it comes to making myself feel better, nothing beats putting down a fellow pilgrim!  I'm faced continually with opportunities to bless those in spiritual or emotional need.  I can choose to acknowledge the pain in their lives, which often drives them to sin and practical separation from God in their daily lives.  In my brokenness, I am tempted to withhold the spiritual refreshment someone else needs to receive from me.


A cup of cold water doesn't seem like much.  Neither does a hug or a word of praise.  Yet, the smallest and most basic gifts we give others may have the effect of restoring life to someone who is dying emotionally or spiritually.  The least act of kindness may be like a lifeline for someone who is, or feels like she is, drowning in a sea of despair. 


Jesus' word to us is this:  in sharing tiny things, we may open the door for miracles in the lives of those around us.  Everyone needs refreshing--from the most successful to the least; from the most socially-popular to the outcast; both enemies and friends.  And if you truly want to make an enemy into a friend, try offering some words of compassion, some practical acts of care, or simply the reassurance that you respect and admire someone, regardless of their professed liking or dislike of you.  There is incredible power in sharing such gifts, and God works powerfully in the lives of others when we are faithful to draw from the well of blessing we have been given and cool and comfort our fellow weary travelers.  


This week, look for at least a few opportunities each day to offer something refreshing to a neighbor, coworker, friend or stranger.  As you do, pray that God will give a deeper refreshing that comes from the well of eternal life, for Jesus says that when we drink deeply from that spring, we will never thirst again!