“And if you give even a cup of cold water
to one of the least of my followers, you will surely be rewarded.” (Matthew 10:42 NLT)
Every decision has an
effect on someone, which will have an effect on someone else. We call this a
‘second and third order’ effect. In Matthew 10, Jesus sends the disciples to
minister to Israel in various ways, and the ‘second and third order’ effect is
evident. Jesus talks of persecutions, rejections, shame, and the cost of
following Him. Then, Jesus talks about a common act of hospitality. When
travelers or visitors would stop by someone’s house, they would immediately be
welcomed with a cup of cool water as a sign of hospitality. The disciples will
most likely be viewed through the eyes of shame, because they gave up their
livelihoods to follow their Rabbi – the Messiah – Jesus Christ. Because of
their decision to follow Christ, their fellow Jews will most likely be ashamed
of their actions and will most likely not offer them a cup of cold water – the
simplest form of hospitality. Jesus encourages them to not give up.
To many, our faith
and relationship with the Living God will be viewed through the eyes of shame.
We’ve given our lives to Jesus and have been freed from the power and guilt of
sin, and our lives are different. Others know this. Others see it. We must
decide today that even though the world may reject us and our faith, we must
keep knocking on the doors and waiting for that cup of cold water. If we give
up a serious relationship with Christ, imagine the “second and third order”
effect it will have on that person watching us as we knock on doors – the
hearts – of our friends, family, and strangers. Don’t give up. Every decision
has an effect on someone.
IronMaker’s
Daily Challenge: Pay attention to every decision you make
today. Pick one at the end of the day, and consider how your decision or act affected
that person and other people.
Prayer: Lord Jesus of Nazareth, High
Priest of Heaven, teach me to be mindful of all my decisions and their eternal
importance. Amen.
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