What's in a cup? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ by Thurleen Bain
My love for a good cup of coffee goes back to my childhood, although at that time, it was mostly milk, sugar and a little coffee. My dad and I had a special time very early each morning sharing a pot of coffee. Starting as early as 3:00 AM, he would plan out his work day on the farm while strumming on his guitar. I would do my homework. He was my Daddy, and I was his little girl. Until his death, we always had pleasure in sharing a good cup of coffee.
I also enjoy a good cup of tea, especially with my good friend when we have a "run away from home" day. Sometimes we giggle like teenagers, getting strange looks from people close by who do not understand how two "mature" gals can have such joy in the Lord!
As I write this, it is the week preceding Easter. Some refer to it as "Holy Week". At this time of the year, my thoughts always go to The Cup. At the Last Supper Jesus took the cup, gave thanks and told the 12 disciples to divide it among themselves. Likewise, he took the bread, gave thanks, broke it and gave it to them saying, "This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me" "Likewise also, the cup after supper, saying, this cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you." Luke 22:19-20 KJV.
We fast-forward to Gethsemane. "And he was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast and kneeled down, and prayed, Saying, Father if thou be willing, remove this cup from me; nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done. And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him. And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground." Luke 22:41-44 KJV.
The contents of this cup caused Jesus to ask his Father to remove it, and yet he said, "Not my will, but thine be done." When he looked at the contents of the cup, Jesus sweat great drops of blood. The contents were so vile; an angel from Heaven had to stand by him to give him strength as he "drank" it. What was in the cup? Every sin committed by every person from Adam who has or ever will live. Jesus, blameless and without sin, the sacrificial Lamb of God, willingly received my sin, your sin, all of mankind's sin.
Because Jesus paid the price, my cup is filled with "living water". What's in your cup?
Thurleen Bain
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