JONATHAN
Hi, I’m Jonathan Crabtree, Pastor for Student Ministry at Central – A United Methodist Community.
Every decision has an effect on someone, which will have an effect on someone else. In Matthew, Chapter 10, Jesus sends the disciples to minister to Israel in various ways, and the ‘second and third order’ effect is evident. Jesus talks of persecutions, rejections, shame, and the cost of following Him. Then, Jesus talks about a common act of hospitality – receiving a cup of cold water when arriving at a home.
The disciples will most likely be viewed through the eyes of shame because they gave up their livelihoods to follow their Rabbi – the Messiah – Jesus Christ. Because of their decision to follow Christ, their fellow Jews will most likely be ashamed of their actions and will most likely not offer them a cup of cold water – the simplest form of hospitality.
Our faith in the Living God will be viewed through the eyes of shame. Others know this. Others see it. We must decide today that even though the world may reject us and our faith, we must keep knocking on the doors and waiting for that cup of cold water. If we give up a serious relationship with Christ, imagine the effect it will have on that person watching us as we knock on doors – the hearts – of our friends, families, and strangers. Don’t give up. Every decision has an effect on someone.
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