The Word of God is so full that when we come to it, thirsty and parched, it is enough to quench the drained reservoir of this earthly vessel.  Often so complete is the sustenance that I find myself drinking over and over from the same ‘cup’.  I find, often, that I read a truth hidden in the Words of my Bible which make me stop and read, re-read, and yet scan it through again.

Isn’t it great when God gets a hold of our hearts and captures our attention with the simplest of phrases?

This phrase seemed to jump in to my heart as I pondered the hidden truths: A cup of Fresh Water is enough!

As I began seeking revelation in the opportunities that had been brought my way, I wanted to know His will for this new journey. The open door, looming fierce, was not a welcoming view for me.  Feeling so inadequately prepared to confidently stride into the unknown, I came to a place of prayer.

Kneeling low and bowing deep, we  ask  for His Wisdom and looking for His guiding mercy in those threshold moments of our lives. Going to the Word of God,  I came upon the scripture in Matthew chapter 10. Jesus is speaking to the disciples…’ the harvesters’… and giving them an overview of what He would advise them to do. He was giving them a “to do” list, if-you-will.

If you look through this chapter you see that it starts with the powers which are within them to preach, to heal, and to overtake the dominion of darkness in the lives of those whom they were to be meeting in the towns and the cities where they would find themselves as guests.  These faithful were instructed on the correct way they would  enter each town, and what to do when received both in the favorable and unfavorable light. Warned to be on guard the traveling missionaries were told to be “wise as serpents and harmless as doves”.(vs 16)

Then He prophesied to them, an admonition of what was to come. He told them to EXPECT it. Expect to be received in an unfavorable light. Do you EXPECT the bumps in the road which steal your joy? What about those quick curves which catch you unaware?

They were warned so that they were not  caught unaware,  because we are like sheep being sent forth among the wolves. He declared that the student does not rise above his Master, what is done to one… will be done to the other. Yet he told them to Rejoice! It is for a purpose, the testimony that comes from trials serves a purpose that is not measured in earthly bank accounts. It should point back to Him, for His glory.. to reveal truth. Jesus alone is truth. The disciples were reminded that they need not be afraid, God knew the number of hairs on their head.

He clarified the meaning of losing your lower life to gain a heavenly existence. The revelation that when people welcomed them, they welcomed Christ. When they rejected them, it was not them but Christ in them that is being rejected.Now we come to the little phrase, the simple truth which stopped me quick.

 Matthew 10:42 -” and whoever gives even a cup of water,… he shall not lose his reward.”

The hidden blessing which is in plain sight. The gift of a cup of fresh water is often enough to close the door to rejection in your life. It is the genuine act of giving which often shocks people, something simple  …something pure…something life-giving.  And the promise is for us. There is a double blessing in the gift.

The truth is He has sent us out as well. He sends the faithful out in the resurrection power and glory that was exemplified on the cross but, there is something that is unique about the promise of simplified grace. I love that conjunction.. BUT. It is a connecting word that ties 2 thoughts together. It also causes us to stop and look.  But, it is that simplified gift of a cup of water which can bring the blessing.

There is a time and purpose for the power, for the preaching, for the praying and interceding  There is a time for the breaking off of the spiritual ropes which tie us down. Yet, the fresh water, that living water, that comes only from Him is offered daily. We will never thirst again, because we have the knowledge of the source. Think of how sweet fresh water  tastes. Think of how welcoming it is to drink when you’re throat is parched and dry. Think of the life that is nourished through this resource. The plain revelation  of  the teaching in this verse is so profound that we may just miss it.

The power isn’t in the big magnificent display, only. The power is in  beginning those small and purpose-filled steps. Offer a drink of water.  Fresh water, filled from the cistern of which there is no end. Dig deep, drink slow, and be nourished with just one cup.