“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’”

— MATTHEW 25:40

It was a long, hot night. There were no curtains to stop the Haitian sun from waking me too early. I was uncomfortable as the electricity was only sporadically available throughout the day and night. Without power, I had no air conditioning and even a cool shower was unsatisfying, as the water would barely dribble from the showerhead. I was tired, grimy, miserable, and irritably wishing my time in Haiti was done.

Later that morning my daughter picked me up to visit someone she knew who was in the hospital. She explained that when you are admitted into the hospital in Haiti, you are responsible for your own bedding, food, water, and medication.

After visiting with her friend, we stopped by the maternity wing where a dozen or more ladies awaited the arrival of their babies and several others cuddled their newborns.

We soon realized these women were thirsty and had no one to bring them any water. We quickly went out and purchased water packets, then returned with water for every lady in that wing. Their eyes and smiles communicated their appreciation, even though we had no common language.

Suddenly my discomfort while being in Haiti made sense. I always thought the poor needed my wealth. But in that moment I realized that I needed the poor to serve my Saviour.

Our gift of cold water not only blessed the recipients, it also enlarged my heart. In the process, Jesus received a cup of refreshment, too. I remembered Jesus’ words from the cross: “I thirst” (John 19:28). When we give a cup of water to those in need we satiate the very thirst of Christ.

SCRIPTURE TO REFLECT ON: MATTHEW 25:31–40

REFLECTION QUESTIONS

1. Why isn’t generosity with our wealth enough?

2. What motivates you more: seeing people in need who are thirsting, or picturing Jesus thirsting?

Eldon Boldt is Lead Pastor at Circle Drive Alliance Church in Saskatoon, SK.
Eldon has been a pastor in Saskatoon for more than 30 years.