"The Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain; but when he arrived in Rome, he sought me out very zealously and found me. The Lord grant to him that he may find mercy from the Lord in that Day—and you know very well how many ways he ministered to me at Ephesus (2 Timothy 1:16-18)

As Paul writes to Timothy from prison he often expresses feelings of abandonment.  He clearly identifies those like Phygellus and Hermogenes, who either abandoned the cause or sought to do him harm.  However, he is also comforted by remembering those who came to his aid.

Onesiphorus is not a household name. It is believed he may have been a merchant at Ephesus who occasionally visited Rome.  It is obvious that he also devoted his life to zealously serving the believers.  Paul had been a recipient of this man's kindness.

First, Paul speaks of this man's perseverance. When Onesiphorus arrived in Rome he sought out Paul very zealously. He took great pains to find the apostle.  This reminds me of my experiences in Jamaica. I have witnessed brethren driving up a steep, rocky road risking a flat tire or car damage, only to find at the end of the road a brother or sister needing to be encouraged, or a prospect ready to study the Bible.  Onesiphorus looked for Paul until he found him.

Second Onesiphorus was not ashamed to be associated with Paul, this time honored soldier of the cross.  Paul would say he “oft refreshes me”.  This servant frequently visited Paul to offer his kindness.  While others had abandon the cause, this servant was glad to stand with Christ and his apostle.

Paul asked for mercy for this servant.  Though bound as a prisoner, Paul's prayers were not hidden from God's throne of grace.  The apostle remembered this kind servant , and is assured that the Lord will not forget his labor of love as well.  Onesiphorus would be blessed by the promise of the Lord: I was in prison and you visited me.

The Lord may be calling upon you to comfort the downtrodden or to stand bravely on the side of those afflicted for his cause. Onesiphorus was a true friend to a great warrior whose battles were nearly over.  There is not a more edifying picture than those whose timidity is overcome by a sense of duty to Christ and his people.

BY George Slover

Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men, of like nature with you, and we bring you good news, that you should turn from these vain things to a living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all that is in them.”  (Acts 14:15)

The journey of Paul and Barnabas brought them to Lystra. The good tidings of the gospel was accompanied by the healing of a man lame from his birth. These messengers of God were appalled when the people of Lystra responded by honoring them as gods.

At each of the cities of Asia minor, they preached the good news of Jesus. Both Jews and Gentiles alike were converted to Christ and made heirs of the kingdom of God. However, Paul and Barnabas were not gods but merely heralds of the heavenly message.

Those of Asia minor were tempted to mingle their view of the gods with Christianity. Paul and Barnabas plainly taught that worship belonged to God alone. “We are just men like you. Turn to God.”

What distinguishes the living God from the gods of men? Jehovah is the creator of all things including man.  By his unfailing love and power he sustains this world with fruitful seasons. No man-made idol has ever had such power.

Paul and Barnabas energetically and powerfully disclaimed their connection to the gods. However, the Laconians could not be persuaded. Thus, they soon were hurling stones at them.

Had the apostles been inclined they may have mingled heathenism with Christianity. Instead, they pointed them to the living God who alone is able to set them free.

By George Slover

"And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for the Consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. (Luke 2:25)

The word “parakalesis” means comfort or encouragement.  Here the word is included in a title to describe the long-awaited Messiah, the comfort of Israel.

For forty days, a woman was considered unclean after the birth of a child.  Having completed the days of purification, Mary and Joseph brought the child Jesus to Jerusalem to dedicate him to the Lord, and to offer a sacrifice for Mary.

There was a man whose name was Simeon who received Jesus and his parents at the temple. The scripture states that he was waiting for the “consolation of Israel”. God promised he would not die until he saw the Messiah.

The Jews believed they were God's chosen people. They believed they were destined to be relieved of the oppression of other nations. They longed for their champion warrior to arrive from heaven and to lead them to world prominence.

However, there were a minority of Jews who may have viewed the mission of the Messiah differently.  Simeon may have been among the few. He knew by a special communication from God that he would see the Messiah, and having witnessed the promised King, he was ready with joy to die.

The comfort that Jesus brought was far different from what the Jews sought. New Testament writers also speak of a consolation connected to Christ; of comfort in times of affliction (2 Corinthians 1:5-7), of a consolation connected to God’s immutable counsel (Hebrews 6:17-20), of an everlasting consolation (2 Thessalonians 2:16).

In the same context, Simeon also summarizes the work of the Messiah (vs. 34). Christ would cause some to fall and some to rise. One thing for certain with Jesus man must make a decision. With Christ, there is no neutrality. Fortunately, those who choose Christ can be filled with satisfying joy and comfort.

By George Slover, Jr.
 

And you have lifted yourself up against the Lord of heaven. They have brought the vessels of His house before you, and you and your lords, your wives and your concubines, have drunk wine from them. And you have praised the gods of silver and gold, bronze and iron, wood and stone, which do not see or hear or know; and the God who holds your breath in His hand and owns all your ways, you have not glorified.” (Daniel 5:23)

Belshazzar, grandson of Nebuchadnezzar, was heir to the throne of the mighty Babylonian empire.  Here was a young and gallant prince who you should have been perfectly able to secure his throne from the threat of Cyrus, the Persian. However, failing to learn from the humbling experience of his grandfather (Daniel 4:31-33) Belshazzar became prideful.

The sins of Belshazzar were irreverence, sacrilege, indecency, drunkenness, and idolatry. Daniel enumerates these sins, and attributes them to Belshazzar’s arrogant heart: “you have lifted yourself up against the Lord of heaven.” Thus, God was not glorified.

While we might not commit the same specific sins, but all mankind still falls into the same category: “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”. (Romans 3:23) Our chief duty is to glorify God. This responsibility is imposed on us because we are totally dependent on Him.  Unfortunately, all men fail.

As in the case of this Babylonian monarch, God will not overlook our transgressions. His throne is not so high he cannot see, nor is his disposition to ignore our failings. “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.”(Galatians 6:7)

Thus all of mankind will be brought before the Supreme Court of God. And when God passes sentence, all will deserve the same as this Babylonian ruler:  "You have been weighed in the balances, and found wanting”(Daniel 5:27), “and the God who holds your breath in His hand and owns all your ways, you have not glorified”. (Daniel 5:23)

Belshazzar was fully responsible for his blasphemous conduct. What will you do with this life God has given you?  Remarkably, God can offer full pardon, and the opportunity to proclaim his excellence!

By George Slover