This blog from Braeside, is based on this week’s sermon nudging’s by David Lose “In the Mean Time.”

Mathew Chapter 10 is all about discipleship but it is not very enticing.  Discipleship sounds like a dramatic undertaking (cure the sick and drive out evil spirits). Then it sounds like a dangerous assignment (sending you out like sheep into the midst of wolves). Then it might get worse you could be arrested, imprisoned, killed.  “And by the way don’t put anything else in front of me and discipleship, things like loving your children more than me” said Jesus.

However there is some reassurance running through the chapter, “don’t fear” your reward will be great – eventually.

Who wants to respond to Jesus’ “Help wanted advertisement?”  Come be mine and life will be tough and dangerous.

And then in verse 42 we read. “Whoever gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones in the name of a disciple – truly I tell you, none of these will lose their reward.  One little word helps us to look at things differently and that word is “even.”

Seriously? That’s all it takes. Giving someone a cup of cold water? Something as small as offering a cup of cold water is what it takes to secure one’s reward?

So maybe this is not a “Help wanted Ad” but a description of what it means to be a disciple. Empowerment – Yes.  Struggle – yes. Welcome and good times – Yes.  Rejection, division, persecution – Yes.  Call to faithfulness at all times – Yes!

Discipleship, in other words, doesn’t have to be heroic but it needs to be faithful. Even offering a cold cup of water counts. A cup of water, and we can add to the list. Even smiling at the strangers we see instead of ignoring them. Even offering a shoulder to cry on to one who grieves. Even welcoming the new kid in school or at camp. Even writing a letter to a member of parliament about an important issue. Even thanking a law enforcement office who just gave you a ticket for speeding. Even speaking a friendly greeting to a street person, and maybe taking them for a cup of coffee. Even helping out at a food kitchen. Even being there when your kids need you. Even volunteering to help with the Habitat build. Even speaking up for someone being discriminated against.

Let’s remember that discipleship is not about heroics – it is simply responding to the needs of individuals and communities around us.  A cup of cool refreshing, life giving water is all it takes – “for the least of these.”

In the kingdom of God, there is no small gesture when done in faith. Each and every act of kindness and generosity has an impact well beyond what we can imagine.

Will this change or save the world? Perhaps not. But let’s keep in mind that saving the world isn’t our responsibility, it’s God responsibility and promise.