The Lord Give Mercy unto the House of Onesiphorus – My Household
Scripture Reference:
“The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he often refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain:”— 2 Timothy 1:16 (KJV)
“I will have mercy on whomever I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whomever I will have compassion.” — Romans 9:15-16
Introduction:
The Apostle Paul, in his second letter to Timothy, offers a unique and powerful prayer: a blessing of mercy upon the household of Onesiphorus. This prayer is not only a testament to the character of Onesiphorus but also a model for us as we seek blessings and mercy for our own households.
I. The Character of Onesiphorus
1. Faithful Service:
📖 “For he often refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain.” — 2 Timothy 1:16 Onesiphorus demonstrated faithfulness in a time of need, showing compassion and support to Paul while he was in prison.
2. Courage and Boldness:
💪 Despite Paul’s imprisonment and the stigma of associating with him, Onesiphorus remained steadfast. 📖 “But when he was in Rome, he sought me out very diligently, and found me.” — 2 Timothy 1:17 His diligent search for Paul reflects a boldness to stand by those in need, regardless of the cost.
3. A Blessing to Others:
🙏 Paul’s prayer is a direct response to the blessing Onesiphorus was to him. 📖 “The Lord grant unto him that he may find mercy of the Lord in that day.” — 2 Timothy 1:18 The good deeds of Onesiphorus extended mercy to Paul, and now Paul prays that mercy will return to him and his household.
The Refreshing Power of Hospitality
💧 Onesiphorus “often refreshed” Paul. This implies more than just physical comfort. He provided encouragement, fellowship, and perhaps material assistance, bringing relief and joy to Paul in his difficult circumstances. 📖 This echoes Jesus’ words: “For I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.” — Matthew 25:35-36 💖 Christian hospitality is not merely about offering food and shelter, but about extending love, compassion, and support to those in need, especially fellow believers.
Diligent Seeking
🔍 Onesiphorus “sought Paul out very diligently” in Rome. This was no small feat in a bustling city, especially for someone who may have been unfamiliar with the area. 💡 This highlights the importance of actively seeking out those in need and going the extra mile to offer support. 💞 It also reflects the proactive nature of true love, which seeks the well-being of others and doesn’t wait for them to come asking for help.
The Power of Intercessory Prayer
🙏 Paul prays for mercy for Onesiphorus’ household, both in this life and “in that Day” (the Day of Judgment). 📖 This demonstrates the importance of intercessory prayer, lifting up the needs of others before God. ⚖️ It also shows that our actions have eternal consequences, and that faithfulness in serving others will be rewarded by God.
II. Mercy for the Households
1. Blessing the Household for One’s Righteousness:
✨ “The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him.” — Proverbs 20:7 The integrity of a righteous person can bring blessings upon their entire household.
2. God’s Faithfulness to Households:
🏠 “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.” — Acts 16:31 Just as the household of Onesiphorus was blessed, God promises salvation and blessings to the households of believers.
3. Examples of Household Blessings:
🏠 Obed-Edom’s Household: 📖 “And the LORD blessed Obed-Edom and all his household.” — 2 Samuel 6:11 The presence of the Ark of the Covenant brought blessings to Obed-Edom’s entire household.
🏠 Cornelius’s Household: 📖 “While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.” — Acts 10:44 Cornelius’s faith brought spiritual blessings to his household.
III. Practical Application: Praying for Mercy on Our Households
1. Show Mercy to Others:
💖 Just as Onesiphorus refreshed Paul, we are called to be merciful and compassionate. 📖 “Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.” — Matthew 5:7
2. Pray for Our Families and Households:
🙏 Pray specifically for God’s mercy, grace, and protection over our homes. 📖 “As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” — Joshua 24:15
3. Live a Life That Attracts God’s Blessing:
🏠 Our actions, like those of Onesiphorus, can set a foundation of mercy and blessings for our family. 📖 “The house of the righteous shall stand.” — Proverbs 12:7
Conclusion: The Legacy of Mercy
The story of Onesiphorus is not just a historical account but a model for our own lives. By living in a way that refreshes and supports others, we invite God’s mercy into our own households. Let us be like Onesiphorus, bringing refreshment to others, so that the Lord may show mercy to us and our families.
Prayer: “Lord, as You showed mercy to the house of Onesiphorus, may You also extend Your mercy and grace to our households. Help us to live righteously and to be a blessing to others, that Your mercy may be a covering over our homes. Amen.”
