Onesiphorus who?

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.