Scripture to Read: 2 Timothy 1:15-18
As we close out this week, our Lord uses Paul to remind us of those who will disappoint us and those who will walk beside us no matter what we face in this life. Disappointments happen to everyone, and the disappointments that usually hurt the most are from people close to us. God has Paul share with Timothy (and us) that everyone in the region of Asia had turned their backs on Paul. God even has Paul share the names of two specific people who turned away from him, Phygelus and Hermogenes. We don’t know anything more about these two men other than that they deserted Paul in his time of need in prison. However, the good news is that God used Onesiphorus in Paul’s life to refresh, encourage, comfort, and show kindness to Paul. We read that Onesiphorus searched for Paul when Onesiphorus got to Rome and, of course, he found Paul in prison. Onesiphorus did not question why Paul was in prison, he just knew he needed to find Paul and when he did, he ministered to Paul in his time of need. We all need people like Onesiphorus in our lives, who will walk with us as we face the tests and trials of this life. God also wants us to be like Onesiphorus to bring refreshment, encouragement, comfort, and kindness to those going through tough times in their lives. God has called us to come alongside each other because we are family. We belong to one another through our relationship with Christ.
Challenge & Application
1. What did God teach you today about the people in the region of Asia and about Onesiphorus?
2. How are you being an Onesiphorus to others in need? Who has been an Onesiphorus in your life and how have you thanked them?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!