Onesiphorus? Who is that? That is what I asked myself as I began my study through 2 Timothy. He is mentioned in only 3 verses in chapter 1 and in one verse in chapter 4 (solely in sending of greetings). I love how the Bible is full of people who are only mentioned briefly, but exude such great character.
May the Lord show mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, because he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains. On the contrary, when he was in Rome, he searched hard for me until he found me. May the Lord grant that he will find mercy from the Lord on that day! You know very well in how many ways he helped me in Ephesus. 2 Timothy 1:16-18
We see in these verses that O as I will call him showed Paul hospitality ("he often refreshed me"). O was also full of courage. He sought out Paul and was not ashamed of the chains Paul wore. In fact, O even sought out Paul in Rome. Rome was not exactly the place to be searching for a Christian, much less one of Paul's stature. In a time when Christians were lit on fire and used as lamp posts, it was probably not in O's best physical interests to find Paul or ask about him. O did not let that deter him and Paul asked he be blessed with the Lord's mercies.
What if we lived a life of courage in Christ like Onesiphorus? If we were not ashamed of the Gospel, of our friends or relatives who belonged to Him, or even our Christian calling and ministry we could change the world. What if our lives where consumed by hospitality? Would the world not see we are different in a "get mine" society?
May I live daily as Onesiphorus. May the world know I am different because of the hospitality and courage I show in the name of Christ. May I not be afraid, but rather be overflowing with power, love, and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7).
Paul's intro in his letter to Timothy also encourages and convicts me. I, like Paul, can think of those I am longing to meet again so I can be full of joy. I can think of those whose sincere faiths have encouraged me greatly. I am challenged to daily and constantly remember them in my prayers. I also long to be a "Timothy" and to be a man that leaves that legacy of faithfulness with people. Timothy is encouraged to fan into flames the gift of God and I must do the same in my life.
Paul exhorts Timothy to not be ashamed of the Gospel or of Paul and his status as a prisoner. Paul takes it one step further and asks Timothy to join in his suffering for the Gospel. Are we willing to take up our crosses daily and suffer? Ashamedly I fear I oft am not. Why is this the case? Am I unaware of His grace and what He has done through the death of Jesus Christ who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel (vs 10)? Am I not appointed as well to spread the Gospel as commanded in the great commission? I must not be ashamed or afraid to suffer for the glory of God the Father and His Kingdom. No I must find the same joy and assurance that Paul had in knowing in Whom he believed (vs 12). His grace is enough and He will guard what we entrust to Him.
I, like Timothy, must guard this ideal and not be moved.
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.
LIVE AS SUCH!
My translation of Paul's greeting to Timothy and my prayer for all:
Jason, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, according to the promise of life that is in Christ Jesus,
To my dear friends, my brothers and sisters:
Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
I thank God, whom I serve, as my forefathers did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy. I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which often first lived in your families and friends and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also. For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Monday, October 25, 2010
Blessed!
As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job's perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy. James 5:11
In this season of trials and struggles, I am reminded of the call to persevere. While I have been challenged by Job's testimony, the Lord has used the testimony of my brother Nate even more these past few weeks. Nate is confined to a wheelchair. He can not use his legs and only has partial use of one of his arms. The tasks we find easy are not so simple for Nate. These setbacks can not, and I doubt ever will, stop that guy. Nate drives his wheelchair to almost every church event no matter the weather. Nate works with the youth group. Nate finished college and is now going back to school to be a pastor. Nate is truly blessed and has blessed my life. Every time I want to feel sorry for myself because of my job, my torn achilles, or occasional boredom I am reminded of Nate and his outlook and character. Nate has been the Job in my life and has forever changed my outlook on life and the struggles it brings. Nate is blessed and has been a blessing to myself and so many. I am excited for His eternal blessings and the day when Nate's body will be made new. I know beyond the shadow of a doubt that is the day Nate lives for.
The truths of God's character overcome all my wallowing in self pity. It is true that His mercies are new every morning. He is faithful and will not tempt us beyond what we can bear. He continues to prove His faithfulness even when we are unfaithful. His blessings and riches are greater than we can fathom. His strength is perfect when mine has failed. We have the BLESSED assurance of salvation through Christ Jesus. How then can I complain? How then can I give up? How then can I turn to any other source of life, joy, and hope? Are my struggles not temporary while He, His blessings, and His Kingdom are forever? This too shall pass and one day I will be made perfect; the work He began will be completed and I will spend eternity before His throne.
As the weeks have progressed I have seen the Lord bring change. Some of those changes I did not like at the time and some I stil struggle with. I have seen His hand through it all. I strive to daily choose to count my blessings and to take my every need and care to the Lord. I find my confidence in His perfect plan growing daily. Funny how my joy and hope have increased as I persevere and remember my blessings. Is this not evident to others? Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe. (Philippians 2:14-15) What a simple, yet hard way to shine and live Matthew 5:16.
As I daily press on and count my blessings I am reminded of the old hymn:
When upon life’s billows you are tempest-tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.
Refrain:
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your blessings, see what God hath done!
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
*Count your many blessings, see what God hath done.
[*And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.]
Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,
And you will keep singing as the days go by.
When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
Count your many blessings—wealth can never buy
Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.
So, amid the conflict whether great or small,
Do not be discouraged, God is over all;
Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.
May we never lose sight of the riches of His promises in our lives. He is faithful and we are truly blessed to the glory of God the Father. Thank you Lord for lavishing countless blessings on my life. May I never be lacking in thankfulness, hope, perseverance, or love for You who gave it all.
WHAT A BLESSED ASSURANCE AND A BLESSED FUTURE!
In this season of trials and struggles, I am reminded of the call to persevere. While I have been challenged by Job's testimony, the Lord has used the testimony of my brother Nate even more these past few weeks. Nate is confined to a wheelchair. He can not use his legs and only has partial use of one of his arms. The tasks we find easy are not so simple for Nate. These setbacks can not, and I doubt ever will, stop that guy. Nate drives his wheelchair to almost every church event no matter the weather. Nate works with the youth group. Nate finished college and is now going back to school to be a pastor. Nate is truly blessed and has blessed my life. Every time I want to feel sorry for myself because of my job, my torn achilles, or occasional boredom I am reminded of Nate and his outlook and character. Nate has been the Job in my life and has forever changed my outlook on life and the struggles it brings. Nate is blessed and has been a blessing to myself and so many. I am excited for His eternal blessings and the day when Nate's body will be made new. I know beyond the shadow of a doubt that is the day Nate lives for.
The truths of God's character overcome all my wallowing in self pity. It is true that His mercies are new every morning. He is faithful and will not tempt us beyond what we can bear. He continues to prove His faithfulness even when we are unfaithful. His blessings and riches are greater than we can fathom. His strength is perfect when mine has failed. We have the BLESSED assurance of salvation through Christ Jesus. How then can I complain? How then can I give up? How then can I turn to any other source of life, joy, and hope? Are my struggles not temporary while He, His blessings, and His Kingdom are forever? This too shall pass and one day I will be made perfect; the work He began will be completed and I will spend eternity before His throne.
As the weeks have progressed I have seen the Lord bring change. Some of those changes I did not like at the time and some I stil struggle with. I have seen His hand through it all. I strive to daily choose to count my blessings and to take my every need and care to the Lord. I find my confidence in His perfect plan growing daily. Funny how my joy and hope have increased as I persevere and remember my blessings. Is this not evident to others? Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe. (Philippians 2:14-15) What a simple, yet hard way to shine and live Matthew 5:16.
As I daily press on and count my blessings I am reminded of the old hymn:
When upon life’s billows you are tempest-tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.
Refrain:
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your blessings, see what God hath done!
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
*Count your many blessings, see what God hath done.
[*And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.]
Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,
And you will keep singing as the days go by.
When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
Count your many blessings—wealth can never buy
Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.
So, amid the conflict whether great or small,
Do not be discouraged, God is over all;
Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.
May we never lose sight of the riches of His promises in our lives. He is faithful and we are truly blessed to the glory of God the Father. Thank you Lord for lavishing countless blessings on my life. May I never be lacking in thankfulness, hope, perseverance, or love for You who gave it all.
WHAT A BLESSED ASSURANCE AND A BLESSED FUTURE!
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