Matthew 10:40-42 (NRSV)
Read Matthew 10:40-42 on biblegateway.com
Verse 40"Whoever welcomes you welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. Verse 41Whoever welcomes a prophet in the name of a prophet will receive a prophet's reward; and whoever welcomes a righteous person in the name of a righteous person will receive the reward of the righteous; Verse 42and 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."
Devotion
I'm reminded once again in the gospel reading for this week how important little things are. I tend to judge my worth—or effectiveness—as a servant of Jesus Christ by the perceived importance of an act. Whether a token or a large gift, a small act or a large project, I most often evaluate its importance by the size of the gesture. Here Jesus cuts to the quick: "Whoever gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones...will not lose their reward." That is so good to hear because that is something I can actually do! How important little things are. It makes every hour of every day in every place an opportunity for significant activity for Christ. In each little act is the message: "You are cared about." It is the thought and the act that counts. Everyone’s offering is equally valued. That is so good to hear. That is something I can actually do!
Prayer
I am blessed, Lord Jesus, to know that whatever I can offer, whoever I can bless this day, can make such a difference. Continue to use my humble gestures, my small gifts, to bless the lives of others. Amen.