TEXT: 2 TIMOTHY 1:16–18 NKJV
[16] The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain: [17] but, when he was in Rome, he sought me out very diligently, and found me. [18] The Lord grant unto him that he may find mercy of the Lord in that day: and in how many things he ministered unto me at Ephesus, thou knowest very well.
Discussion
Today’s devotional focuses on a man who was very good to Apostle Paul when he was in prison. The Apostle Paul recognized Onesiphorus’ act of kindness toward him. It is interesting that Paul was left alone by some Christians while he was in prison, as shown in verse 15:
“This thou knowest, that all they which are in Asia be turned away from me; of whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes.”
Many Christians in the places mentioned above turned away from Paul while he was in prison.
It is not good for Christians to abandon a fellow believer in difficult circumstances without doing their best to help.
The Apostle Paul, irrespective of how anointed he was, still needed encouragement and refreshment from fellow believers. Thank God that Onesiphorus was able to come and help in the way he could. I am sure that his support meant so much to Apostle Paul that he took the time to write about it.
Today, I would like to encourage you to text, call, or send a voice note to your pastor or a fellow believer simply to ask how they are doing. It will go a very long way in lifting their spirits. Many shepherds are currently nursing emotional wounds from trying to preserve and care for the sheep entrusted to them. Often, the sheep are unaware of the sacrifices and battles their shepherds have faced on their behalf. The reality is that many shepherds never speak about what they have gone through in the course of the battle.
Simply checking on them, like Onesiphorus did for Paul, could be the encouragement they need at that moment.
The role of a shepherd is very demanding. I mean a real shepherd (John 10:11). If God has blessed you with one, a little act of kindness toward them would not only encourage them but could also strengthen them to remain faithful in their assignment and in their walk with God.
Onesiphorus searched diligently for Apostle Paul in Rome just to refresh and encourage him. He was a good man who understood what the Apostle was going through and chose to help, even though Apostle Paul had not asked for assistance. Prophets, pastors, and other servants of God also need encouragement. Let us do our best to encourage our pastors. May the Lord keep and strengthen all genuine shepherds of God’s flock, in Jesus’ name.
Declarations:
I shall not neglect fellow believers who are in difficulty. I shall encourage the shepherd God has given the responsibility of watching over me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Light Up Christian Fellowship
