Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions

Today’s devotion comes from 2 Timothy 1:15-18.

 

“You are aware of the fact that all who are in Asia turned away from me, among whom are Phygelus and Hermogenes.  The Lord grant mercy to the house of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains;  but when he was in Rome, he eagerly searched for me and found me— the Lord grant to him to find mercy from the Lord on that day—and you know very well what services he rendered at Ephesus.”  2 Timothy 1:15-18.

 

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Paul needed refreshment and encouragement.  “You are aware of the fact that all who are in Asia turned away from me”.

 

Onesiphorus provided refreshment and encouragement to Paul.  “The Lord grant mercy to the house of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains;  but when he was in Rome, he eagerly searched for me and found me— the Lord grant to him to find mercy from the Lord on that day—and you know very well what services he rendered at Ephesus.” 

 

We tend to think of our Heroes of the Faith whether it be Apostle Paul or our own Preacher or Teacher as not needing any refreshment or encouragement.  But, they need it, and God uses us to provide it to them.

 

Yes, Paul endured suffered.  The preceding verses make that clear.  “Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord or of me His prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel according to the power of God,”  2 Timothy 1:8.  “For this reason I also suffer these things, …”  2 Timothy 1:12. 

 

But, God provided refreshment and encouragement and other service to Paul through Onesiphorus as today’s Scripture makes clear.

 

Today’s Scripture motivates us to provide refreshment and encouragement and other service to other saints within our church. 

 

 

First of all, let us search out and find those saints who most need it.  We may be in a worship service, and someone comes to mind as needing a word of encouragement from us.  Let us make a “bee line” to them after church to encourage them before they humbly leave.

 

Second, we receive prayer requests all the time.  Let us promptly compose a prayer within an email or card and send it to the person who sent us the prayer request (or directly to the person who needs the prayer). 

 

Third, I don’t do this, but it is a great idea and I am so pleased to see others do it.  When someone is sick or suffering, bring them a hot plate of food.

 

Fourth, when someone receives bad news (like Paul was in chains), let us not avoid them.  Rather, let us draw close to them and hug them.  There are those who have a gift of putting suffering into proportion and create even a reason to bring a small laugh to them.  I love that!

 

Fifth, let us use our own spiritual gifts and serve as Onesiphorus did in Ephesus.  If we do our own jobs well, then it is one less thing that our leaders need to worry about.  Earlier in this chapter, we read Paul exhort Timothy:  “For this reason I remind you to kindle afresh the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands.”  2 Timothy 1:6.

 

In conclusion, this is certainly not an exhaustive list.  It is just five specific things we can do, “and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another;  and all the more as you see the day drawing near.”  Hebrews 10:24-25.