Throughout the season of Lent our daily devotions have been written by members of the Faith Lutheran community. Our theme this Lent is “Jesus Our Healer.” Today’s devotion comes from Mardi Mayerhoff.
John said to him, “Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he was not following us.” But Jesus said, “Do not stop him; for no one who does a deed of power in my name will be able soon afterward to speak evil of me. Whoever is not against us is for us. For truly I tell you, whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you bear the name of Christ will by no means lose the reward. Mark 9:38-41
The first thing I thought of when I read these verses was my attitude in 1986 when I was asked to teach Sunday School at Faith. My reaction was “I am not trained for this! Pastors and people who took Bible study in college should be teaching Sunday School.” In other words I was not “called” to ministry like they were or like the disciples were. However, I was asked again the next year and agreed to try for one year as long as they assigned me to a grade level where the children could read.
They gave me 4th grade and that started my long career of being “for Jesus” not only in volunteer service at Faith, but in many other arenas. I began giving a “cup of water” to 4th graders, then 5th graders, then 2 year olds, then adults through the Alpha ministry and First Place 4 Health where we are serving people who attend church at Faith, many who go to other churches, several who are looking for a new church home, and on occasion the care givers of guests at our Faith House.
My faith has grown through these endeavors. I have seen “rewards” that are not measured in financial gain, and I see God working through me to bring his Word to the people who come together each week to seek his healing power.
Let us pray: Father in Heaven, during this Lenten season and beyond, give me the opportunity to “give a cup of water in Jesus name” to someone outside of my comfort zone. Let me see you work miracles through me. In Jesus’ name. Amen
Daily Devotions 
March 27, 2015 at 6:49 pm |
This is a beautifully-written devotion and a great reminder about stepping outside of our comfort zones.
March 29, 2015 at 6:57 am |
Mark’s words of “Whoever is not against us is for us. Whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you bear the name of Christ will by no means lose the reward” shows faith in action.
Mardi’s example of answering the call to teach Sunday School reflects the lesson’s meaning so well. She accepted the cup of water in the name of Christ and fed the children the word of God. She went outside her “comfort zone” to teach SS, but it became a blessing not only for the children, but for her as well.
May the Lord bless and be with Mardi and all of our teachers. Amen.