Nougat 22

The heatwave continues in Geneva, and the word on the street is ‘Hydrate!’ Thus fat, we have lost no one to heat strokes, thanks be to God! Here at the World Council of Churches, I have a colleague whose core responsibility is to advocate for safe, potable (drinkable) water across the globe – to quench thirst and for hygiene needs. Given that *844 Million people across the world Do Not have access to safe drinking water and 2.4 Billion have no access to safe sanitation facilities*, the struggle is real. Today’s Holy Nougat makes the water crisis even more personal.

“I assure you that whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you belong to Christ will certainly be rewarded.” ‭‭Mark‬ ‭9‬:‭41‬ ‭CEB‬‬

Hospitality – the mark of ‘civilized’ people back in the day. It was expected that one should be kind to family and friends, especially those in need. Jesus used it for an illustration in Luke 11 when speaking of God’s Spirit being poured out to us when we pray. And, hospitality was part of the bone of contention in Luke 7, when the woman washed Jesus’ feet in an open display of love.

Of course, Moses, Elisha, Elijah and the spies received extremely great hospitality from women they encountered. Moses’ wife repaid his bravery with hospitality, Elijah was fed the last meal by a poor widow and Elisha received accommodation from a barren woman. Rahab housed the spies , saving them and her family in Jericho. Yes, hospitality pays.

I have never been to Israel, but descriptions all place it in the desert with limited water. So hospitality that included access to water is a big deal. One could argue that it’s like sharing one’s prized possession. (No wonder Jesus is The Living Water!) In rewarding someone who shares water with a believer, Jesus speaks to the issue of hospitality and generosity to God. For in giving to the poor (and needful) we are lending to God ( see Proverbs 19:17). And God is no one’s debtor – ie God does not have debts since God owns all.

Moreover, God pays back quickly for those who give to furthering God’s witness, whether it’s as basic as water provision, tithes and offering, directions, providing much needed resources, or offering hospitality.

Although we are believers and potential beneficiaries of such grace, do we stop to offer even a cup of water to a thirsty believer? And, more importantly, how often do we offer The Living Water to a thirsty and seeking soul? How much greater would that reward be on earth and in Heaven?!

Water is Life.

Let’s save a life today.

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May all we seek be found in Christ