[Biblemat] S) FINDING RICHES IN OBSCURITY

[J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com]

Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here.  Here is a study from my
files.  Use to the glory of God.

FINDING RICHES IN OBSCURITY

     One of the most rewarding tasks in studying the Bible is
digging into the lives of the obscure people of Scripture; folks whose names 
appear only a time or two in the inspired
record.  On many occasions I've discovered that though there
may be but a brief reference, there is actually a wealth of in-
formation provided.  One such example is found only twice in
the New Testament.  While his name is obscure, there are some rich nuggets 
revealed about his life and the significant
role he filled during Paul's final days.

     As Paul penned his second letter to Timothy, he knew that
the time of his "departure" had come (4:6).  Bound by chains
in a Roman dungeon, he experienced physical distress and
intense loneliness.  Only Luke was with him (4:11).  Phygelus
and Hermogenes had "turned away" (1:15) and Demas had 
"deserted" him (4:10).  Though his faith remained strong, we
must not assume that Paul was a bionic believer and immune
to human emotions that accompanies such sadness.  In the 
midst of this difficult ordeal, God provided strength and com-
fort through  Onesiphorus.  His name occurs in 4:19 and in
1:16-18, where Paul chronicles the qualities that buoyed him
in his final days.

     He Served: -- The first thing Paul says is that "he often
refreshed me" (1:16).  The word "refreshed" means "to make
cool."  Imagine working outside on a hot day and after hours
of toil you find relief in the shade of a nearby tree.  As you sip
on a tall glass of iced tea you enjoy a steady breeze that "re-
freshes" and breathes life back into your weary body.  Onesip-
horus was Paul's "cool breeze."

     Note that the refreshment he provided was not confined 
to an isolated incident.  It came "often."  Simply put, what
Paul appreciated about Onesiphorus was the faithfulness of
hist servant's heart.  Onesiphorus wasn't looking for the lime-
light nor did he need to be the center of attention.  He sought
merely to "offer a drink of water" in the name of the Lord.  The fact that 
Onesiphorus had made serving a regular habit
of life is evidenced by Paul's remark -- "...you know very well
what services he rendered at Ephesus" (1:18).

     He Was Willing To Risk: -- Additionally, Paul tells us that
Onesiphorus "was not ashamed of my chains" (1:16b).  He set aside personal 
safety and reputation to help a brother in
need.  In our comfortable 21st century culture, we can only
imagine the dangers he faced because of his association with
a controversial prisoner (this would be especially true if Paul
was executed shortly after writing this letter).  But such haz-
ards are often an inherent part of servanthood.  If you are 
willing to serve, you must also be willing to risk.  It may be
your time or resources.  It may be in the realm of energy or
even your reputation.  And, as with Onesiphorus, even your
safety.  While others had distanced themselves from the mal-
igned apostle, Onesiphorus held fast to his friend -- and Paul
loved him all the more for it!

     He Was Steadfastly Determined: -- Paul speaks of the obs-
tacles Onesiphorus faced in his desire to serve him -- "when
he was in Rome, he eagerly searched for me, and found me"
(1:17).  Paul implies that when Onesiphorus arrived in Rome
he didn't know where to find him.  Locating the apostle in the
midst of this major city of the ancient world would have been
no easy task.  There were no phone books or yellow pages --
no Internet, city directories, or a computer database.  It was
a task that may have taken hours or days.  Yet, in spite of the
inconvenience, Onesiphorus "searched."  The word speaks
of his persistence.  In addition, Paul noted that his search
wasn't done grudgingly.  Onesiphorus eagerly searched!  He
traversed the ancient streets of Rome in search of his beloved brother and he 
didn't give up until he had found him.
Now that's determination!

     Onesiphorus -- inconspicuous and obscure?  Perhaps.
Unimportant and insignificant?  Hardly!  Though Onesiphorus
isn't a "household" name when we think of the faithful saints
of the early church, there can be no doubt as to his value to
the apostle Paul.  The man demonstrates that while such acts
of service may not get your name in lights, to the one who is
"refreshed" by it, it may mean the world.  As Paul neared the
end, do you think he would have traded this fellow for anyone
else?  One word of warning: such service doesn't come cheap.  If you chose to 
serve like Onesiphorus, it will cost you in a variety of ways, and you can 
bet Satan will do what
he can to provide you with every excuse to quit.

     Finally, on two occasions Paul prayed regarding Onesipho-
rus that, "the Lord grant to him mercy" (1:16,18).  I believe it
was a prayer the Lord was more than willing to answer.
--------- Terry Slack in Biblical Insights, Vol. 6, No. 8, August
2006.
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20070101/2e9140e3/attachment-0001.html