Word of Encouragement (8/23/2021)
Before the break last week, we were reflecting on Paul’s prayer in 2 Tim. 1:16-18: “May the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains, but when he arrived in Rome he searched for me earnestly and found me—may the Lord grant him to find mercy from the Lord on that Day!—and you well know all the service he rendered at Ephesus.” Before we move on to another prayer, let’s meditate on it one more day.
The part I’d like to focus on today is the beginning part of this prayer: “May the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus....” You notice that this benediction is on the household of Onesiphorus, not on Onesiphorus himself. Paul pronounces his benediction on him as well in the latter portion: “...may the Lord grant him to find mercy from the Lord on that Day!” This is why Paul’s first benediction is so intriguing. Why is Paul blessing the household of Onesiphorus? We don’t learn anything that the other members of his household did to call this benediction. All the good deeds we hear about in this prayer are Onesiphrorus’: he is the one who often refreshed Paul and was not ashamed of his chains; he is the one who sought out for Paul during his imprisonment in Rome; he is the one who rendered much service to the church at Ephesus. In fact, after pronouncing the benediction on the whole household of Onesiphorus, Paul talks about all the things Onesiphrous has done for him, not his household!
Of course, it is very likely that his household participated directly and indirectly in Onesiphorus’ ministry to Paul and the Ephesian church. After all, he was the head of the household. As such, he probably did not do all the menial and manual labor. He must have utilized his servants and family members to assist him in his service. But since he was the head of the household and it was his idea to do the works of service, he might be getting all the credit. But Pau did not just bless Onesiphorus for that reason; he blessed the whole household, which at that time included the servants. What great encouragement! If the work that the other members of the household had done under the direction of Onesiphorus did not go unnoticed by Paul, neither would they go unnoticed by God, who sees in secret: “...your Father who sees in secret will reward you” (Matt. 6:4). Let us not grow weary in serving such a wonderful Master!
But Paul’s benediction on Onesiphorus’ household shows what a blessing a godly head is to the whole household. His example cannot but influence the family in positive ways. After visiting Solomon’s palace and seeing with her own eyes his wise government, the queen of Sheba complimented Solomon in this way: “Happy are your men! Happy are your servants, who continually stand before you and hear your wisdom” (1 Kings 10:8). Similarly, as it is evidenced in Paul’s benediction on the household of Onesiphorus, the godly leadership of the head of the household can also bring God’s rich blessings not only on himself but also on his entire family.
This shouldn’t be so surprising to us. Think about what God promised to Abraham at his urging: “For the sake of ten [righteous men] I will not destroy it” (Gen. 18:32). Of course, God was speaking of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah here. If God was willing to spare the two wicked cities on account of ten righteous men, how much more willing God would be to bless the household of the righteous?
This points to our blessed station under the leadership of Jesus Christ, our Head. If those under Solomon’s government were considered happy and blessed, how much greater is our blessed condition under Christ! Aren’t all the blessings we enjoy in the household of God on account of Christ’s perfect righteousness and His all-sufficient sacrifice for our sin? Let us give glory to our Lord for all the blessings and benefits we enjoy under Him. And as we serve Him out of love and gratitude for all that He has done for us, may God be pleased to bless our families and our communities, to which we belong!