July 1

"Whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only . . . he shall in no wise lose his reward."— Matthew 10:42.

A CUP of cold water given to God's servant is crowned with a prophet's rich reward. It deserves to be.

For let me think what the cup of water means for the disciple who receives it. Strength to journey another mile or two on the pilgrim road. The discovery of a comrade who is like-minded with himself. A new proof of his Lord's unfailing remembrance of him. A new topic for praise. A new message of grace and mercy and peace.

And let me think what it means for the friend who gives it. An observant eye, open to the necessities of Christ's kingdom. A warm heart, anxious to do good to every member of the household of faith. A quiet love, proving its reality and its depth by obedience to the smallest of the commandments, and by pleasure in the weakest of the saints.

And let me think what it means for the heavenly Master who is looking on. It is a proof to Him that He has two followers instead of one. I cannot serve God's people, counting it joy to do so, without a true regard for God Himself. When He sees what I do, it is a token to my Lord that He is dear to me. He knows that I am on His side in a world where His friends are all too few.

Therefore let me watch for opportunities of doing these little kindnesses. Let me run to help any child of God and any disciple of Jesus. The angels who only cry Hosanna once before they die win a grace, Rabbi Jehosha said, as large as that of princes of the chariot.