'Even a cup of cold water

Even a cup of cold water

A poor Arab, traveling in the desert, came to a spring of pure water , and filled his leather jug to carry it to the caliph. He had to go a long way before he could present it to his sovereign. The caliph received the gift with pleasure, and pouring some of the water into a cup drank it, thanking the Arab and rewarding him.

The courtiers around pressed forward, eager to taste of the wonderful water — but the caliph strangely forbade them to touch a single drop. When the poor Arab had departed with a joyful heart, the caliph told his courtiers why he had forbidden them to taste the water. In the long journey, it had become impure and distasteful in the leathern bottle.

But it was an offering of love, and as such, the caliph had received it with pleasure. But he knew that if any other would taste the water, he would have shown his disgust, and thus the poor man's feelings would have been wounded.

Does not this beautifully illustrate the spirit with which Christ receives the gifts and services of those who love Him? The gifts may be worthless, and the services may avail nothing; but, for the love that prompts them — he accepts them with real gladness, and richly rewards them!

"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

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