S) "16 The Lord grant mercy to the house of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains; 17 but when he was in Rome, he eagerly searched for me and found me— 18 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 1:16-18 (NASB)
O) The early church was suffering some serious divisions at this time. Paul, in particular, was under some attack, particularly in Asia (see v.15). On the flipside, he mentions this family of Onesiphorus. This family was a particular blessing to Paul, on more than one occasion, even when he was actually arrested. He also sought Paul out while he was in Rome, not just seeking him, but finding him. Because of that faithfulness, in his desire to serve the church (at Ephesus) and Paul, he received blessings, encouragements, and prayers back from Paul and the church.
A) We are not supposed to serve in order to receive blessings. However, it can sometimes be a good reminder that we're not serving for nothing. Most importantly, though, the example of serving a church and a minister in particular, is noteworthy. Verse 17 really stands out, that Onesiphorus wanted to bless Paul, and sought Paul out, and didn't stop seeking him until he was able to find him and bless him. That is a dedication to a ministry that I need to adopt. The attitude of my heart should be that I am faithfully supporting it, even when it takes serious effort.
P) Father, Your kingdom is vast. I pray that Your will is done on earth as it is in Heaven, and I want to be a part of that happening. Open my eyes and ears, that I may know how I can support the church faithfully, and bless a ministry directly. Put a particular desire in my heart, according to Your will, that I may support them as You want. Please bless the people who have supported my ministries over the years. Grant them mercy on Your day, for their faithfulness to me also. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
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