WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT
Read 2 Timothy 1:18.
Because of Onesiphorus’ loyalty and friendship with Paul, Paul twice asks the Lord to grant mercy. The first occurrence asks for mercy on the household of Onesiphorus (some see Onesiphorus as being with Paul at the time, and so Paul is blessing Onesiphorus’ household from afar). The second is to Onesiphorus himself with the added words, “on that day”, meaning on the Day of Judgment. Whatever that may mean (i.e. why the need for mercy on the day of judgment), Paul is giving them really all he is able to give in his situation. Being imprisoned, he can’t give food or money or a gift of some kind. He can only grant words of hope for God’s mercy to Onesiphorus and his household on the day when all things will be unveiled for what they really are. In the case of Onesiphorus, the unveiling will reveal a moment of greater mercy for the mercy that he showed while in this world. How different that will look for Phygelus and Hermogenes who deserted Paul!
Paul’s words to Onesiphorus are perhaps more meaningful to someone who looks ahead to the glory of God. Many seek relief in the present, but perhaps Onesiphorus was mature enough in his faith such that words pertaining to the revelation of Christ on that day were just the encouraging words he needed to hear.
To consider: 1) Paul gave all he could to encourage Onesiphorus. There was little more he could do in his situation. Consider this week giving a small word of encouragement or doing a small act of kindness for someone who has shown you care and friendship. 2) Where are you in your maturity? If Paul said those words to you, would it be encouraging to you?
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Side Note:
Why the need for mercy when Christ has removed the eternal consequences of our sin? When we come face to face with Christ, it will not be as if we will suddenly forget all of our past sins. Though they will not count against us, we will nevertheless see our sin for how bad it really was. Grace restores us to God, but as one scholar has noted, “mercy is extended for the alleviation of the consequences of sin.” When we see Christ, God will extend a great deal of mercy since we will not endure the consequences of our sin (i.e. hell). But will God’s mercy erase the grief and great sorrow of our sin? The book of Revelation records a picture of that day in chapter 21:
“…and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away.” (Rev. 21:4)
Have you ever wondered what those tears were for? In the context of mourning, crying, and pain, it would not be tears of joy (or else why would he wipe them away?), but rather tears of sorrow, perhaps the tears of the revelation of our once sinful selves. Perhaps the tears from a life of suffering in a sinful and painful world. Maybe both. But one thing is for certain, God’s grace and mercy will be more glorious on that day than we can fully understand right now in our limited view of eternity and our limited view of the impact and depth of our sin. God’s grace will shine ever so brightly in contrast to the grim reality of our sin. Perhaps Paul’s desire for mercy on the house of Onesiphorus stems from Onesiphorus’ great help to Paul. Paul’s hope is that Onesiphorus might experience less pain on the day of judgment in light of his good and faithful service.