Wednesday, July 27, 2016

Green Acres

“It is the hard-working farmer who ought to have the first share of the crops” (2Tim 2:6).

Loved me some “Green Acres” when I was growing up. If you remember the theme song, sing along…
Green acres are the place for me
Farm living is the life for me
Land spreading out so far and wide
Keep Manhattan, just give me that countryside
There were just two teensy problems with Mr. Douglas’ dream of farming. One, his wife Lisa hated every moment of it. Two, it was hard work. VERY hard work. We won’t even go into his ongoing issues with Eb, Mr. Haney, and Arnold the pig.

Farming is back-breaking and gut-busting. Few professions out there are more difficult. So much effort. So little return. So much out of your hands. And that’s agribusiness in the 21st Century. Modern farmers have the latest high tech tractors and agri-gadgets. But one thing they have in common with sodbusters throughout the centuries: hard work.

(Disclaimer time. While the name of my hometown is Farmington, I did NOT grow up on a farm. A couple of my uncles were farmers and we visited them occasionally. We only visited occasionally because they were always working and working HARD. Long before sunup to way after sundown. I’m not pretending to have firsthand knowledge of slopping hogs, milking cows, or putting up hay. I may be from a small town but I’m a city boy through and through. Clear?)

Which brings us back to 2nd Timothy. Here in this little letter, Paul reminds his protege that ministry is anything BUT the country club life. No, it’s more like life in the country. On a farm. In the field. Doing work. “It is the hard-working farmer who ought to have the first share of the crops” (v6).

Dirty hands. Sweaty head. Aching back. Serving in God’s kingdom is no place for wimps and couch potatoes. Little time for a rousing game of Pokemon Go. But in the end, ministry is like farming. It’s worth every ounce of energy you put into it. God guarantees a record harvest.

Before you get the idea the apostle is painting some pie-in-the-sky pastoral landscape, remember where he is and what’s going on. The former Pharisee is locked up in full restraints on Death Row inside Rome’s notorious Mamertine Prison (2Tim 1:8, 16; 2:9; 4:6-7). This place makes places like Folsom, Sing Sing, Attica, and Shawshank look like Club Med. More like Abu Ghraib. 

Paul begs Tim to see him before his date with the executioner (2Tim 4:9, 21). It won’t be long. In the meantime, he scribbles down important instructions as he passes the baton of ministry to the young pastor (2Tim 2:1-4:5).

Here in 2 Timothy 2:3-6, the apostle compares serving our Savior with a sold out solder, an elite athlete, and diligent farmer. We can learn lessons from the battlefield, the playing field, and the farm field. (I’m tempted to say something clever about being “outstanding in our field” but decided to walk away from it. And aren’t we all glad about that?)

Despite what John Denver sang and Mr. Douglas dreamed, life on the farm is anything BUT laid back. It’s the ultimate example of sweat equity. You don’t get anything out of it unless you put everything into it. Paul describes farm life as “hard-working” and uses a word (Gr. kopiao) that means busting your tail to the point of weariness. Striving. Struggling. Slogging. This is labor to the point of absolute exhaustion. A lazy farmer won’t be farming long. Even a quick study of kopiao in the NT will absolutely wear you out. 

Remember when Jesus asked a commercial fisherman He called Rocky to take Him fishing again after a long night of the disappointing zero? Simon was bone tired and ready for bed. When the Lord wanted to book a charter, Pete relented and said, “Master, we toiled (Gr. kopiao) all night and took nothing! But at Your word I will let down the nets” (Lk 5:5). With Christ, the Rock had a record-breaking catch!

There was the time the radical Rabbi/Carpenter and His posse cut off the dogleg from Judea to Galilee and stopped for water deep in enemy territory of Samaria. “Jesus wearied (Gr. kopiao) as He was from His journey” plopped down next to a well at high noon (Jn 4:6). Nobody realized He had a divine appointment with a Samaritan divorcee who soon be face-to-face with God’s long-awaited Messiah.

When we get our Greek grammatical shovel and dig into the word a little deeper, we see that it means to beat yourself to the point of pain. In other words, farming like ministry looks like a self-inflicted wound from the outside. Folks wonder why you work yourself silly? Why do you consistently drain your tank below “E”? 

The answer is simple. Eternity hangs in the balance. We give it everything we’ve got for others because Jesus gave everything He had for us. We place our trust in the hard work Christ did on our behalf. We don’t work to earn God’s favor because that’s never gonna happen (Rom 3:28-30; 11:6; Gal 2:21). Jesus gives us credit for His spotless history (2Cor 5:21; Gal 2:16; Eph 2:8-9). We roll up our sleeves because our Savior did the same for you and me. 

So it’s no surprise that one of Jesus’ most popular ag images is actually a breath of fresh air and cool glass of water for a weary worker. “Come to Me, all who labor (Gr. kopiao) and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light” (Mt 11:28). Stop working to earn God’s favor. As an act of worship and gratitude, we get our hands dirty telling others about what He’s done for us.

Just in case you think I’m blowing Paul’s connection between work, farming, and ministry way out of proportion, check out the word he uses here for “farmer” (v6). It’s the Greek word georgos), which literally means “land (ge-) worker (-orgos).” It describes someone with their hands in the soil. This is no gentleman farmer or weekend gardner. We’re talking about a sharecropper or migrant worker. That’s the picture the apostle wants us to see.

Few folks demonstrate faith like the farmer. They risk everything trusting that God will ultimately come through. They know it’s all in His hands. But they still till the soil. They still plant the seed. They still fertilize the field. They still water the plants. They still nurture the crops. All this despite the constant thread of drought, flood, hail, pests, or blight. They work hard BECAUSE they trust. Is there a better picture of delayed gratification? The farmer hopes God will reward his blood, sweat, and tears at harvest time. 

That’s why God’s Word is chockfull of agricultural imagery. There’s endless talk livestock and crops. Jesus Himself compares to planting seeds and soil conditions with spreading the Gospel (Mt 13:1-9; Mk 4:1-9; Lk 8:4-8). In a letter to the folks in Corinth, Paul tells them how he’s not working the fields all by himself. He and his buddy Apollos are working in shifts. The apostle plants. Apollos waters. But in the end, God’s the REAL source of growth (1Cor 3:6-9). I could be wrong but my role is probably spreading fertilizer. So watch your step.

Meanwhile Paul tells Tim that it’s the “farmer who ought to have the first share of the crops” (v6). In other words, one huge benny for the one tending the field is being the first to enjoy the harvest. Fresh not frozen. We’re talking serious farm-to-table stuff! 

Since the apostle is comparing farming to ministry, what’s the application? Well, it could be immediate and financial. Paul talks openly about that with the Corinthians. “If we have sown spiritual things among you, is it too much if we reap material things from you?” (1Cor 9:11). His team made a spiritual investment among believers there. It’s only natural for folks to help them out in return.

Or he could be talking about future and spiritual rewards. Paul couldn’t wait for the day when Jesus would take the cosmic stage for His encore. “For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at His coming? Is it not you? For you are our glory and joy” (1Th 2:19-20). Christ would reward the apostle and his crew for their Gospel grunt work in Thessalonica. 

Why can’t it be both? There are certainly near term benefits of tilling the spiritual soil, planting the seed of the Gospel, and being there for the harvest. So let me ask the awkward question. Have you been generous with those who’ve done God’s agriculture in your life? And Scripture is VERY clear about how the Lord will provide an amazing eternal return on the investment those who have cultivated His grace in the lives of others. 

But let’s not miss the big idea. Ministry is very hard work. Just ask Paul in prison over in Rome. Farming is very hard work. Just ask Oliver Wendall Douglas down in Hooterville. But in the end, they are well worth every drop of sweat. Or as it reads in the Message, “It’s the diligent farmer who gets the produce” (v6 The Message).

Let's sing it together. Green Acres, we are there!

Sunday, July 24, 2016

To Cheat Means Defeat

“An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules” (2Tim 2:5).

Growing up as a child of the seventies, I’ll never forget the open to “Wide World of Sports.” Jim McKay would get us ready for what we were about to see. “The thrill of victory and the agony of defeat.” I mean, how many times did we see the ultimate epic fail of the dude on the ski jump?!?

A couple of thousand years before ABC spanned the globe, Paul wrote all winning and losing. “An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules (v5). Compete according to the rules and enjoy the thrill of victory. Cheat the system and you’ll feel the agony of defeat. Cheaters never really win and real winners never cheat.

To cheat means defeat.

When you first read Paul’s words, you might think they’re a cut-and-paste right out of the Olympic rulebook. Or maybe something lifted from the bylaws of the NFL, MLB, NBA, or NCAA. Play hard and play by the rules. But in the end, cheating to win is cheating to lose. Even when following Jesus. ESPECIALLY when following Jesus! 

Let’s face it, athletes and teams have been trying to pull a fast one for centuries. Baseball teams are always trying to steal signs. NASCAR’s known for it’s “if you ain’t cheatin’, you ain’t tryin’” mantra. But you could fill a Sports Hall of Shame with names like Pete Rose, Ben Johnson, Lance Armstrong, Tonya Harding, and Barry Bonds. And we’re looking right at you, Tom Brady and the rest of the Patriots. 

But long before PEDs and Deflategate, Paul is on Death Row in Caesar’s Supermax, better known by historians as the Mamertine Prison. The man who wrote a boatload of the New Testament writes what will be his very last letter. The apostle knows his days are numbered (2Tim 4:6-7). He pleads with his protege to get to Rome and get there quickly (2Tim 4:9, 21). 

Just in case Tim doesn’t get there before his execution date, Paul fires off a quick note to encourage the young pastor both his personal life and public ministry. Here in 2 Timothy 2:3-6, he compares church leadership with being a dedicated soldier, an elite athlete, and a sod-busting farmer. He wants us to learn big-time lessons from the battlefield, the athletic field, and the farm field. 

Now you might think the apostle was a one-dimensional dude who only talked about theology and church stuff. Think again. Check out what he wrote in the NT and he’s clearly a man who loved athletics. Paul probably would have had the cable TV sports package. Reading a few passages from his letters, you have to think he could have made it as a great sportswriter. Like he does here in this verse, Paul consistently compares following Christ to leaving it all on the playing field (1Cor 9:24-27; Phil 3:12-14; 2Tim 4:6-8). Train hard. Play hard. Play to the whistle. Play by the rules.

Here in his letter from Death Row to Timothy, Paul talks about the grit and competitive nature of an athlete. Two times in this verse he uses a word (Gr. athleo) which describes someone who competes, strives, or participates in athletics. Somebody with an insatiable desire to win. They have a burning passion to finish first. It drives them. Dominates everything they do. But they are unwilling to take shortcuts to victory. They do it the right way. They do it by the book.

At the heart of the term athleo is one who is willing to go through difficult struggles in order gain victory. He’s talking about enduring short-term suffering for long-term gain. You do realize that following Jesus is ultimate example of delayed gratification, don’t you? Paul says the garbage we face on this side of eternity is nothing compared to what God is preparing for us later (Rom 8:18; 2Cor 6:14). Jesus’ kid brother James tells us we’re blessed when we hang in there in the hard times because one the other side, the Lord gives us “the crown of life” (James 1:14). 

In the words of the legendary Jim Valvano, “Don’t give up! Don’t EVER give up!” Keep fighting. Keep competing. Don’t cut corners. Following Jesus is going to be an absolute bear at times. We’re going to want to throw in the towel. Quitting will look like the best option. But that’s just the smoke-and-mirrors of the enemy. It’s his demonic go-to strategy. Satan will tempt us in anywhere and everywhere to punk out. Marriage. Work. Church. Health. Don’t throw in the towel! Don’t wave the white flag! It’s worth it. So totally worth it! Be a competitor. Play hard to the whistle. Give it everything you’ve got until you hear the horn.

There is a prize on the line. While the modern Olympics are modeled after the ancient Greek athletic games, there are a couple of significant differences. First of all, athletes competed in the raw back in the day. Yup, that’s right. Naked. I really have no desire to catch a glimpse of one of those hefty heavyweight wrestlers or 300-pound shot-putters. The other modern change is the awards. We now award gold, silver, and bronze medals for first, second, and third. Back in the First Century, only the winner got the prize. Guess it’s like Ricky Bobby says. “If you ain’t first, you’re last.”

Paul makes it absolutely clear that there’s a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to cheating when following Jesus. “An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules” (v5). The apostle probably wouldn’t be surprised at the long sad list of people who lost it all after winning the wrong way. Lance Armstrong. Ben Johnson. Marion Jones. Barry Bonds. Mark McGwire. Roger Clemons. Call it attempted victory through better chemistry. Winners in the short-term. Losers in the long run.

To cheat means defeat.

The apostle is making a point to Tim about the incredible importance of integrity, especially for those in ministry. There’s so much at stake. Every spiritual leader absolutely MUST play by the book. Do you hang it out over the edge of right and wrong? Don’t cut legal corners. Don’t fall for moral shortcuts. What are you watching? What websites do you visit? What are you reading? But integrity isn’t limited to preachers, pastors, and ministers. It applies to EVERY follower of Jesus! God promises that any secret sin is going to come out, sooner or later, and will be dealt with (Num 32:23; Prov 15:3; Ecc 14:12; Lk 12:2; Rom 14:12; 2Cor 6:9-11; Col 3:25; Rev 20:11-15).

To cheat means defeat.

But we need to be 100% sure of what Paul is NOT saying. He’s not telling us we earn our salvation by perfect performance. It’s not possible. The only way we enjoy the ultimate victory is by trusting in the One who totally played by the rules. Jesus lived the perfectly obedient life to His Father’s commands when I was a complete failure. He died the death of punishment for my sin that I should have died. And if that’s not all, He rose to a spectacular resurrection life that I in no way deserve. 

I follow God’s commands for my life as a response for what Jesus has done for me. I compete hard and according to the rules because He did that for me. When I fall short (and I will, you can take that to the bank!), there is more grace than I can imagine. I don’t have to cheat because He didn’t. Oh, He was certainly tempted to give up and punk out in His desert duel with the devil (Mt 4:1-11; Mk 1:12-13; Lk 4:1-13). Three years later, He had a heart-to-heart with His Heavenly Dad about the Cross and stayed the course (Mt 26:38; Mk 14:36; Lk 22:42). Because of that, Christ is the only one qualified be our High Priest (Heb 4:15-16).

We can taste the ultimate thrill of victory because of what Jesus has done for us. We never have to know the eternal agony of defeat thanks to Him. But in the meantime, we need to hang tough and play by the rules. God’s rules. There’s too much at stake. Too much on the line.

To cheat means defeat.

Saturday, July 23, 2016

Loosening My Kung Fu Grip

"And Peter said, 'See, we have left our homes and followed You.' And He said to them, 'Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, who will not receive many times more in this time, and in the age to come eternal life'" (Lk 18:28-30).

These three verses provide an epilogue to Jesus' conversation with the rich young ruler (Lk 18:18-27).  Christ's call to cash in his chips and follow revealed the man's idol: his own wealth.  Jesus then pointed out how it's easier to smush a 1500 pound camel through the eye of a sewing needle that for a rich person to squeeze himself through the gates of heaven.  The Lord pointed out that the only one capable of making that happen is God Himself.

At this point, Peter speaks up (v28).  Let's face it, when Pete says something, there's a 50-50 chance he's going to make a fool of himself.  Pastor Mike Lee says that it often seems like that the only reason Peter opens his mouth is to change feet.  But here, Simon says the right thing.

In response to the rich ruler's retreat, Rocky speaks up for all of the twelve.  It's just another example from the Bible of Peter's role as leader of the apostles.  It's a role he will retain even in the wake of his betrayal of the Lord.  He was part of Jesus' inner circle along with the Sons of Thunder.  Peter was first among equals among Christ's twelve.

The Rock reminds Jesus of all that His own disciples have left in the rear view mirror in order to follow.  "See we have left our homes and followed You."  Actually the word "homes" is not in the original text.  Pete actually says they have left "one's own" or “everything belonging to us" (Gr. adjective idios).

It is a reminder of how these twelve men walked away from not just their homes, but everything in order follow this amazing Man from Nazareth.  Professional fishermen dropped their nets and left their business behind.  A tax collector turned his back on his incredibly profitable occupation (and repaid with interest!).  They had left it all behind.

Jesus responds to Peter's statement with an encouragement (v29-30).  First, He talks about what they all have given up in more detail.  These men have left their homes, wives, brothers, sisters, parents and children.  And they didn't do it simply to hang out with some homeless and untrained Rabbi/Carpenter.  They did it "for the sake of the kingdom of God."  Somehow, someway they understood that something bigger was at stake.  And they were willing to leave it all behind.

Jesus announces here that this call to leave it all behind is not just for these twelve closest followers.  Are we willing to leave it all behind?  I'm afraid that we Americans are more like the rich young ruler than the blue-collar bunch that Jesus' assembled.  According to some statistics, 21st-century Americans are among the top 2% of the wealthiest people who have ever walked on the planet.  How many of us are willing to leave everything to follow Jesus?  House?  Family?  Job?  Cars?  401k?  I think it's time to move on.  It's getting rather uncomfortable, don't you think?

After affirming everything that His followers give up, Jesus goes on to give an overview of the benefits package (v30).  Those willing to forsake everything for the sake of the kingdom get unspeakable blessings, both in this life and the life to come.  Don't miss that Jesus speaks of receiving "many times more in this time."  Don't miss the math.  God's blessings will be multiplied "many times more!"

I would hardily disagree with those preaching a prosperity Gospel that Jesus is promising earthly riches.  It may happen.  But the blessings of God are so much more than that, so much more robust than that, so much deeper than that.  They include love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Gal 5:22-23).  Most importantly, it is the blessing of God Himself.  He is our portion (Ps 16:5).  He is our great reward.

Jesus alone is worth leaving all.

Then Jesus points us to the most mind-blowing retirement package the universe has ever known.  He promises that we'll see those blessings continue once we pass from this life into the life to come.  Much ink has been spilled on heavenly and eternal blessings.  Christ is reminding His followers that it's worth it.  It's VERY MUCH worth it.  He doesn't deny that they've given up a lot.  But they have only begun to scratch the surface on what's to come.  And they don't have a clue of what will happen in the coming months and years.  Their minds couldn't hold it all.

This passage reminds me of the statement that hands clinging tightly to earthly possessions are not open to receive the blessings of God.  Too often we have a kung fu grip on things that have absolutely no eternal value.

Let it go.  Put it down.  Let the Lord fill your palms with His unspeakable and overflowing goodness.  We can only receive when we loosen our kung fu grip.

Jesus alone is worth leaving all.

Wednesday, July 20, 2016

Mission Critical

“Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him” (2Tim 2:3-4).

One of the iconic scenes from movies comes near the end of “Saving Private Ryan.” (I’m NOT wasting my time with a “spoiler alert!” This flick came out in 1998. If you haven’t seen Spielberg’s classic by now, this one’s on you. I’m sure it’s on a cable channel near you this weekend.)

The flick takes place in the days following the Normandy Invasion. Tom Hanks’ character Captain John Miller leads a unit with a singular mission. They must rescue Private James Ryan, played by Matt Damon, whose three brothers all died on D-Day. Once they find Ryan, Miller’s boys are in the fight of their lives in the French village of Ramelle when enemy tanks roll into town. 

In the climactic scene, Miller has taken a Nazi bullet and is dying on a bridge in a small French town. Having rescued Ryan, he musters every ounce of strength to whisper in his ear, “Earn this.” The captain desperately wants to pass along one final command to this grunt before he dies.

(Before we go any further, I have to say too many pastors and writers have totally abused and misused this scene to manipulate people into committing their lives to Jesus or simply signing up to volunteer in the parking lot. WRONG! This is absolutely NOT Christ’s message from the cross. We CANNOT earn this! The Lord did for us what we could NEVER do for ourselves. Instead of buying us a ticket for a massive guilt trip, our Savior frees us from our sin and rebellion to live a life of freedom and worship. Whew. Glad I got that off my chest.)

But there is a comparison to Miller’s final words to Ryan and Paul’s instructions to Timothy here in 2 Timothy 2:3-4. Like the captain, the apostle is at death’s door (2Tim 4:6-7). Not so much in the battlefield but a Roman prison (2Tim 1:8, 16). In essence, Paul’s a POW. He pleads with Tim to come see him before it’s too late (2Tim 9, 21). Just in case the young pastor can’t get there in time, he receives orders from his CO on how to proceed in the war. 

Stay focused on the mission because the mission is critical.

Here in the second chapter of 2 Timothy, Paul paints the first of three pictures for his friend. Analogy number one is a soldier (v3-4). Number two is an athlete (2Tim 2:5). Last but not least is a hard-working farmer (2Tim 2:6). Each illustration gives us a better understanding of what it looks like to be a follower of Jesus. In the battlefield. In the playing field. In the farm field.  

The apostle reminds us that as a disciples we don’t fight alone. We’re to “share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus” (v3). We’re not Rambo. We’re not some rogue Delta Force commando who’s gone reckless and disregards orders. We’re supernaturally connected to others, especially when it comes to affliction. The apostle uses a Greek term that means to undergo affliction along with someone else:  sugkakopatheo. Doesn’t exactly roll right off your tongue, does it? 

When you pull it apart, it’s actually a compound word. “Together (sug-) harmed (-kako-) by suffering (-patheo).” Try as you might, you’ll only find this word twice in the entire Bible. And both of them are right here in Paul’s last letter. Earlier, he told Tim that there’s absolutely no reason to be embarrassed about being associated with either the message of Jesus or his mentor’s time behind bars. Instead “share in the suffering (Gr. sugkakopatheo) for the Gospel by the power of God” (2Tim 1:8).

What Paul wants Tim and anybody else who reads this letter to know is that we’re not alone when it comes to pain. We’re going to experience the same type of suffering as others do. We don’t have to suffer alone. Like soldiers fighting together in a squad, when one is wounded, everyone is wounded. We’ve always got each other’s backs…ESPECIALLY when a member of our unit takes a bullet on the battlefield. 

I gotta be honest. I’m not all that excited about the idea of any kind of suffering. Neither is Paul or Tim. But it’s great to know we never hurt alone. The apostle tells the folks in Rome that we should never let fellow believers cry alone (Rom 12:15). When one member of our church suffers, we all suffer (1Cor 12:26). And when God gives us the strength to stand in the baddest storms, He then puts us in the position of walking with others when pain makes landfall in their lives (2Cor 1:4).

There’s more to it than that. A LOT more! We also share in the suffering of our Savior. In a letter to his friends in Philippi, he comes clean about how he made a mess of his own life by trying to pile up credentials for his religious resume in order to impress God (Phil 3:4-6). Once he came face-to-face with his resurrected Savior, Paul realized that knowing Jesus personally and intimately was the only thing that matters. He made it a top priority to get to know Him, understand the power of His resurrection, and in some way “share in His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death” (Phil 3:10). 

But because Jesus took the full brunt of God’s fury for our sin, we don’t have to. There’s a word folks at seminaries throw around for that. Propitiation. It means to satisfy or soothe. On that Roman cross, Christ was on the receiving end of every ounce of His Father’s wrath. As a matter of fact, His Dad put His Son “forward as a propitiation by His blood” for you and me (Rom 3:25). Jesus played the role of both priest and sacrifice “to make propitiation for the sins of the people” (Heb 2:17). “He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world” (1Jn 2:2). 

That’s the picture of Captain Miller and his unit putting their lives on the line so that Ryan could survive. That’s what Jesus did for us. Think of a fellow G.I. diving on a grenade so his buddies could live. Better yet, throwing Himself on a multimegaton nuke to save us all.

As his commanding officer, Paul orders Timothy that this is what he’s to do “as a good soldier of Christ Jesus” (v3). The apostle uses military lingo at this point. Let’s face it, folks in the service have an entirely different lingo. It’s shall we say, “colorful.” Here we see the word “soldier,” or in the original language stratiotes. This term describes foot soldier, or member of the infantry. 

We’re not talking about brass here. No bird colonels. You won’t find Tim as at the officer’s club. This is a grunt. An enlisted soldier. We don’t have to worry about who’s giving the orders. We’re not under some brutal and abusive drill sergeant. We’re all under the authority of the Ultimate Commander-in-Chief Christ Jesus. Our General has not only been through the battle for us, He goes into battle with us. Hoohah!

A lot of folks get all worked up by this whole “Onward Christian Soldiers” deal. I get it. Plenty of goofballs have taken it WAY too far. But it’s a go-to metaphor in God’s Word for our war against the evil in the world, the sin in our heart, and Satan himself. Here in his two letters to Tim, Paul encourages the young preacher to “wage the good warfare” (1Tim 1:18).The apostle looks back on the battlefield with satisfaction. He has “fought the good fight” (2Tim 4:7) and wants his friend to do the same (1Tim 6:12).

We see military talk in both letters to the Corinthians (1Cor 9:7; 2Cor 10:3-5). Paul refers to his buddy Epaphroditus a “fellow soldier” (Phil 2:25). In a quick note to Philemon, the apostle describes their mutual friend Archippus the very same way (Phm 2). God gives each one of us His spiritual body armor to put on each day (Eph 6:10-20). Here’s the deal. War is terrible. We should ALL hate it. But we are in a fight with the ultimate evil. And I’m NOT talking about ISIS.

Paul tells Timothy to stay focused. “No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits” (v4). The apostle uses a word here (Gr. emplekomai) that means to be mixed up in something, or to be involved to the point where you experience severe restrictions as to what you can do. It literally means to weave together, braid, or intertwine. In other words, we must not get too tangled up in stuff that doesn’t matter that it distracts us from our goal. 

Stay focused on the mission because the mission is critical. 

Just as a soldier can’t get hung up in the weeds of civilian life, we need to be careful as well. My career is important and certainly a gift from God but have I made it an idol? Am I shining God’s light in the workplace or is it drawing me further from Him? How about my kids? Youth sports and other activities are wonderful. But are we so over-scheduled that we spend every evening and weekend running to baseball tournaments, swim meets, and cheerleading competitions? Am I worshiping my kids rather than the One who gave His life for me? 

As some have said, anytime we take a good thing and make it a god thing it’s a bad thing. That’s idolatry in the 21st Century. That’s becoming “entangled in civilian pursuits” (v4). Don’t think that yours truly doesn’t have his issues here. And that’s just a sample of the stuff that can snarl us these days. Do I need to go on? Didn’t think so. I love how the writer of Hebrews restates this idea like a coach. Run life like a race and keep your eyes on “Jesus, the Founder and Perfecter of our faith” (Heb 12:1-2).

Stay focused on the mission because the mission is critical.

We must avoid the trap of distraction by remembering Who’s in command. Paul reminds Pastor Tim how for each soldier “his aim is to please the one who enlisted him” (v4). Just in case you didn’t know who that is, we’re talking about Jesus. This is where we could go into a long and involved discussion of whether you were drafted into the service (predestined) or enlisted (free will). Instead let’s just assume you’re a follower of Christ. In other words, you’re in His service. It doesn’t matter at this point how you got it. 

Our goal is to please our Commanding Officer. Our aim is to put a mile on the General’s face. First of all, you’re NOT trying to make God like you more or love you more deeply. He already does. That’s a done deal. What Paul is talking about here is making the most of moments we have here in this life. Our mission is to love God and love others. We worship Him by serving and sacrificing for others. Nothing makes our Leader happier than when we give of ourselves just as He gave for us (Jn 13:34-35).

Flash back to that conversation in “Saving Private Ryan.” Captain Miller has one final command for the young soldier. Paul does the same for Timothy. Keep this forefront no matter what you do. Stay focused on the mission because the mission is critical.

Sunday, July 17, 2016

Reliable Sources

“and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also” (2Tim 2:2)

Journalists must trust their sources. It’s critical to the accuracy of any report. Where would Woodward and Bernstein be without the legendary “Deep Throat”? When a reporter can rely on his or her source, the public can have confidence in the story. 

Okay, I realize the news media is not exactly seen as a great bastion of credibility these days. I get that. Too many overzealous journalists so fired up to break the big story that they lean on dubious sources and play fast and loose with the facts. But back in the day, you could take it to the bank if you read it in the New York Times or heard it from Walter Cronkite. Not any more.

Long before Spotlight or Watergate made headlines, Paul wanted Timothy to have the utmost confidence in the news he was passing along. “And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust to to faithful men who will be able to teach others” (v2). Tim can trust the news he’s heard from the apostle. He can trust the source. Now he’s to keep his eyes and ears out for folks he can rely on to keep the message moving forward. When it comes to the Good News, it’s critical that we can trust our sources.

When we understand the context of this verse, we’ll see that it’s vital that the message moves forward. Paul is in Rome, locked up in Caesar’s SuperMax, otherwise known as the Mamertine Prison. He’s writing a letter to his young protege Timothy while he sits on Death Row. The apostle knows his time is rapidly running out (2Tim 4:6-7). While he desperately hopes for one last visit from his good buddy (2Tim 4:9, 21), Paul encourages Tim to lean on the power of God’s grace as he continues telling people about Jesus (2Tim 2:1). 

First of all, the former Pharisee reminds the young pastor that he can trust his source. He can rely on “what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses” (v2). Tim has had a front row seat for Paul’s teaching so many times that he’s probably lost count. He first hooked up with the apostle several years ago when the Gospel tour made a stop in his hometown of Lystra (Acts 16:1-5). Before Tim knew what hit him, he was studying under the dude the Lord personally picked to tell non-Jews everywhere the Good News. 

Every place they stopped, Paul talks about the grace of God expressed in His Son Jesus. He lets them know that Christ is the answer to the problem religion has been trying to solve for thousands of years. Religion is our futile attempt to get to God. It’s futile because we can’t get there without 100% obedience to God’s rules. Break one and we’ve broken them all, according to Jesus’ kid brother James (James 2:10). 

But placing your faith in our Savior is does just the opposite. Instead of trying to work our way to God, He comes to us. Christ does for us what we could never do…even when our lives depend on it. He lived the perfect life for us, died in our place, and strolled right out of the empty tomb. I don’t care what kind of mad skills you have up your sleeve. You can’t pull off anything that awesome. 

The most amazing thing about Jesus is that He gives you and me credit for everything He does and takes our hot mess off our hands (2Cor 5:21). That’s the message Tim has heard Paul spread in city after city around the Mediterranean Rim. Timothy can trust his source. The apostle heard it straight for Jesus Himself (Gal 1:12). It doesn’t get any better than that.

A couple of important things we don’t want to miss about what Tim has heard. First of all, Paul uses words. Well, duh! Okay, work with me here. The apostle makes a point of speaking about Jesus out loud. You may have heard the old saying, “Preach the Gospel constantly. Use words when necessary.” I appreciate the sentiment. We SHOULD let our actions speak for us. We should live lives of love. But at some point words ARE necessary for others to know the Good News. No one will ever understand why you do what you do without an explanation.

The other subtle point Paul makes is that he consistently helps folks understand what he’s talking about. He explains what it means to place your trust in Jesus. He unpacks what the life of a Christ follower looks like and feels like. The apostle has a great way of putting the cookies on the bottom shelf. That does NOT mean he waters down the Gospel. But he illustrates and helps folks apply the grace of Jesus.

How about you? Don’t feel like you need to tote a ten-pound theological textbook with you to explain the Good News. It doesn’t take a slew of impressive sounding five syllable words to do the trick. If you’re like me, chances are you don’t know what they mean anyway. All you need to do is understand the concepts behind them. And when in doubt, go back to the basics. God made a perfect universe. We jacked it all up. Jesus came to our rescue. 

Paul mentions to Tim about “the presence of many witnesses” (v2) he’s had the privilege of speaking to. The Greek word for “witness” (Gr. martus) has a couple of meanings. It can describe one who testifies to facts in a legal setting. When the religious bullies railroaded Jesus, He boldly announced He was indeed Messiah and would soon take a seat next to His Heavenly Dad. That’s when the high priest blew a gasket. “He has uttered blasphemy. What further witnesses (Gr. martus) do we need?” (Mt 26:65).

It can possibly a person who tells others something they know directly and personally. In other words, somebody with firsthand knowledge. Just before He headed home to heaven, the resurrected Christ told His followers how He would give them His Holy Spirit so that “you will be My witnesses (Gr. martus) in Jerusalem and all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8). When Judas Iscariot broke bad, the apostles had an opening on their roster. A key requirement for his replacement was that he be “a witness (Gr. martus) to the resurrection” (Acts 1:22).

It can also be used when talking about a martyr. In this context, it’s one who tells what he knows even though it may result in death. Our Savior gave His buddy John a sneak peek at the end of the story and gave him a glimpse of a nasty prostitute dripping with “the blood of the saints, the blood of the martyrs (Gr. martus) of Jesus” (Rev 17:9). So the meaning of the word also carries the idea of someone so impacted by the grace of God that they are willing tell others about Christ even though it could well be fatal.

As a follower of Jesus, I’m a witness. More than a fan in the stands. More than a spectator. I’m actively involved in what He’s doing. I have the privilege of telling others what I’ve seen Him do in my life and through my life. How about you? What’s He been up to in your life? I know, I know. You don’t want to brag. But remember, this isn’t about you. It’s about Him. And it’s ALL about Him! This isn’t meant to put you on a guilt trip but a witness who doesn’t testify isn’t of any value to anyone else. While people may not be able to swallow some of the stuff in the Bible, they have a heard time doubting what’s happened in your life. They can trust the source.

While Paul certainly doesn’t want Tim to limit the audience of the Gospel, he wants him to keep an eye out for people who with a very special set skills. No, we’re not talking about Liam Neeson’s character from “Taken.” The apostle wants his spiritual son to “entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also” (v2). These folks need to be trustworthy and reliable. It’s important to keep the Good News good. One hundred percent grace. A zero tolerance policy against works. Those who teach must have a figure-four leg lock on the core of the message. People must be able to trust the source.

Here’s a cool observation I ran across when digging into this verse. John MacArthur points out that from Paul to Tim to faithful men to those would they tell covers FOUR generations! If Paul is Timothy’s spiritual son (1Tim 1:2; 2Tim 1:2), then the faithful folks he finds are the next generation. And once they pass along the story of Jesus, the apostle has great grandchildren in the faith! Talk about leaving a legacy that lives on!! All because of reliable sources.

Wednesday, July 13, 2016

Unlimited Energy

“You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus”  (2Tim 2:1).
What’s the most powerful source of energy you can think of? We’ve got a few candidates. Nuclear reactor. Coal-fired power plant. The sun. My seven-year-old grandson Marcus (that little dude has a non-stop motor!). Worthy nominees, for sure. But according to Paul, there’s one energy source that generates limitless power and is totally renewable. Grace. 

In a letter from a Roman prison cell, the apostle writes to his protege Timothy to stoke the fires of this young pastor. With a death sentence hanging over his own head, Paul knows Tim needs to personally plug into the ultimate source of power without his mentor’s help. “You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus” (v1). 

Paul is passing the baton of the Gospel to Timothy. He knows his time is short (2Tim 4:6-7). He knows there’s no one better to fill his sandals than the young man from Lystra. The apostle has already handed him the reigns as lead pastor of the church he planted in Ephesus a couple of years ago (1Tim 1:3). But replacing the legendary Paul?!? The APOSTLE Paul?!? I mean, God has used this guy to devote his life to traveling the Mediterranean Rim telling people about the grace of Jesus and starting churches faster than Starbucks can open coffeehouses. Sure sounds like mission impossible to me. 

Just like Timothy, God calls each of us to an impossible task. A job so big we could never do it in our own strength. What’s yours? That’s between you and our Savior. But there’s one thing I do know. There’s only one fuel that will provide the power we so desperately need. Grace. And there’s only one place to go to get it. Jesus. 

Let’s pick up in chapter two of 2 Timothy. First of all, Paul didn’t have all these chapter and verse numbers in his original version. Religious types added them a few centuries later to help us find our way around God’s Word. Think of these digits like addresses. Imagine trying to find a place you’ve never been if you didn’t have the city, street, and house number. So when the apostle first sent it to Timothy, it was a just a letter. God-inspired to be sure. But a letter. From a real person. To another real person. 

Here at the beginning of what we now know as chapter two, things get personal. “You then, my child” (v1). One close friend writes to another. A mentor writes to a student. A father writes to his spiritual son. You’re literally reading someone’s mail. It’s okay. God gives you permission. But it gets incredibly personal. And that’s what makes it so incredibly powerful. 

Paul begins by using a term of endearment for Tim. “My son” (v1). He drops a Greek word (Gr. teknon) that means descendant, posterity, or one’s immediate offspring. While this certainly can describe a blood relative, writers of the Bible use it when talking about a spiritual descendant, a particularly close disciple, or favorite student. 

The apostle doesn’t exactly toss it around willy nilly. He saves it for just three very special individuals. Two of them are Titus (Titus 1:4) and Onesimus (Phm 10). But he doesn’t hold back when talking about Tim (1Cor 4:17; Phil 2:22; 1Tim 1:2, 18; 2Tim 1:2). Imagine how many people Paul has lead to the Lord during his life. God handpicked the former Pharisee to be his number one spokesperson to non-Jews around the world. For Pete’s sake, the guy wrote a huge chunk of the Bible. Yet he calls Tim his son.

Who’s your spiritual dad? Who’s the person Jesus dropped into your life as a firehose of His grace? Who has God used to walk with you to grow your faith? Who is your Paul? Ever thanked them? No better time than the present. Drop them a note. Give them a call. Better yet, give them a hug. 

Now turn it around. Who has God brought into your life as a spiritual son or daughter? Maybe you’ve had the honor of telling them about the Good News of who Jesus is and what He’s done for them. Perhaps it’s somebody who already has a relationship with the Lord but you’re encouraging them to trust more deeply and serve others more sacrificially. Be intentional. Be transparent. Who’s your Timothy?

It’s a great idea for every follower of Jesus to have Paul/Timothy relationships in our lives. Be a Timothy. Hook up with a spiritual mentor. Look around for someone who’s walked with Jesus longer than you. Be intentional. And why limit it to one? There are hundreds of people out there who’ve written books, preached sermons, and post podcasts. Read. Listen. Apply. Why not follow them on social media? You get the idea.

Don’t forget to be a Paul to somebody’s Tim either. This is where it gets a little uncomfortable for a lot of us. I mean, who am I to tell anyone about following Jesus? But I must remember that it’s NOT about me. It’s about Christ. He’s the one who’s really doing the heavy lifting. I’m just the one He’s using. How do I find someone to help? Keep your eyes out for a person in your life who is a new believer or just started going to church. Start by just being their friend. Grab some coffee. Ask questions. Talk about life. Trust me. You can be a Paul.

Okay, back to 2 Timothy. Now that he has his spiritual son’s full attention, Paul tells Tim to “be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus” (v1). He doesn’t tell him to hit the gym. He doesn’t suggest hiring a personal trainer and getting in better shape. This isn’t an encouragement to increase his bench press or dead lift. The apostle uses the verb endunamo’o, which is all about being made stronger by an outside force. In other words, you CAN’T do this by yourself. This is all about power you DON’T have. But I know Someone who has it and is more than willing to hook you up.

Check out a few other uses of this word in the NT. Back in his prequel to Timothy, Paul writes, “I thank Him who has given me strength (Gr. endunamo’o), Christ Jesus our Lord” (1Tim 1:12). Later in this same letter, the apostle recalls the last time he was in prison and “the Lord stood by me and strengthened (Gr. endunamo’o) me, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed” (2Tim 4:17). The writer of Hebrews describes how God used a long list of goofballs, weirdos, and cowards in big ways, that they “were made strong (Gr. endunamo’o) out of weakness” (Heb 11:34). God gives us the strength we don’t have apart from Him. Unlimited power that’s totally renewable.

That incredible fuel is none other than “the grace that is in Christ Jesus” (v1). Grace. I’m not sure there’s a more powerful idea in the entire Bible. It’s certainly seems to be Paul’s favorite word. And why not? Everything he writes absolutely drips with grace! First of all, what is it? Justice is getting the punishment from God we rightfully deserve for our sin. Mercy is NOT getting that punishment. Grace is getting the radical goodness of God we by no means deserve. 

We’ve done nothing to earn it. We’ve done nothing to deserve it. Some describe it as God’s descending one-way love. It’s His promiscuous and scandalous goodness to rebels, terrorists, and enemies of His kingdom. You DO realize that’s your status apart from Jesus, don’t you? “Amazing” doesn’t even come close to describing this unlimited power source, but it is certainly a great place to start. 

We can’t save ourselves. We don’t have the strength. We’re 98-pound spiritual weaklings. There’s absolutely no way we can muscle up the power to obey all of God’s commands. And that’s what it would take 100% obedience. Anything less than perfection is trouble. Jesus’ kid brother James says if we break one of God’s laws we break all of them (James 2:10). Grace radically changes all that. Once Jesus comes to our rescue, we go from absolutely powerless without Him to supernaturally powerful with Him. All because of the unlimited energy of His grace.

What does our man Paul have to say about grace. Gracious plenty! God saves us by grace through faith in Jesus. “It is THE gift of God” (Eph 2:8-9, emphasis added). God declares us totally innocent and absolutely perfect by His “grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus” (Rom 3:24). Because it’s impossible to save ourselves by perfect obedience to God’s rules, we need His goodness. Or as the apostle tells his friends in Rome, “But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace” (Rom 11:6).

But just as this letter is incredibly personal to Paul, so is the impact of God’s undeserved goodness on his life. He tells the Corinthians that he wouldn’t be the man of God is today without it. “But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain” (1Cor 15:10). Later, he remembers that time he pleaded with Jesus to remove a painful thorn in his life. Christ’s response? “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness” (2Cor 12:9).

There’s only only place to get this limitless power. And when I say “place,” I’m talking about the one and only Christ Jesus. Let’s just say He has exclusive rights on God’s descending one-way love. A total and eternal monopoly. But here’s the cool thing. As followers of Jesus, we’re local distributors of His amazing grace. This is one multilevel marketing system with no gimmicks. Grace isn’t grace if you don’t give it away. We’re blessed to be a blessing. We give it away freely because He gave it so freely to us!

Now grace may be free but it certainly isn’t cheap. Our Savior paid for it with His own blood. He gives it to me freely out of His incredible love but it cost Him His very life (Jn 3:16). We’re on the receiving end by simply trusting in Who He is and what He’s done for us. Once I truly realize the unbelievable cost of what He did for me, I can never take grace for granted. Never. Ever. 

So just like Timothy, let’s be “strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus” (v1). God’s grace gives you the energy and ability to tackle whatever task He’s placed before you. We’re talking limitless power that’s totally renewable.

Friday, July 8, 2016

The Big O Is No Zero

“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” (2Tim 1:16-18).

There are just some people who stoke your fire. Folks who make you feel like you can’t lose. Friends who deepen your faith. Friends who fill your tank. Who’s that for you? Who’s name do you love seeing come up on your phone? Who do look forward to hanging out with because you just know they don’t want anything other than to lift you up? 

Paul had a buddy like that. His name was Onesiphorus. The Big O was such close friend that the apostle wrote some VERY kind words about him in the very last letter he wrote just before he died. “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” (v16-18). 

Did you catch Paul’s situation? In Rome. In chains. In desperate need of a pick-me-up. And look who shows up. The one and only Onesiphorus! It’s just another reminder that this little book of the Bible we call 2nd Timothy is really just a very personal letter. A letter from a real person (Paul) in a real place (a prison in Rome) with real problems (on Death Row) to another real person (Timothy). 

The apostle brings his protege up to speed on his desperate circumstances. He urgently pleads with Tim to hit the road and come see him (2Tim 4:9, 21). The dude formerly known as Saul knows he has a date with the executioner sometime very soon (2Tim 4:6-7). Just in case the young pastor doesn’t get there in time, Paul passes the baton of ministry to him in writing (2Tim 2:1-4:5).

Here in chapter one, he tells Tim that some guy with a very strange name has a very special place in his heart. Let’s face it, not too many parents are naming their son Onesiphorus these days. And that actually may not be his real name at all. Remember, Paul is serving hard time in Caesar’s SuperMax. He may be giving the Big O a nickname. Was this like a code name in case Roman authorities read or intercept the letter before it makes it to Timothy? 

That would make a lot of sense. In the previous verse, the apostle called out two knuckleheads named Phygelus and Hermogenes for going AWOL (2Tim 1:15). A little detective work into the original language reveals these are most likely handles cooked up to keep their real names out. They’ve earned the notorious nicknames of Li’l Fugitive and the Flash. 

So if Onesiphorus isn’t the guy’s real name, what does it mean? It describes someone who is profitable, and useful. He’s so beneficial, we could call him “Benny.” When he’s around, he always makes sure your life runs in the black, not in the red. Someone with that sort of rep would certainly be enthusiastic, friendly, likable, courageous, fiery, passionate, and have a deep faith. Yeah, the Big O is anything but a big zero. 

According to the tradition of the Orthodox church, Jesus handpicked the Big O as one of he 70-plus disciples to act His Gospel advance team (Lk 10:1-12). They returned telling all sorts of crazy stories of God’s supernatural work against Satan, sin, and death (Lk 10:17-24). He later becomes Saint Onesiphorus, serving as a church leader in what we know today as Turkey as well as Corinth over in Greece. He died as a martyr because of his faith in Jesus near the city of Ephesus. Seems his executioners tied him between two teams of horses headed in opposite directions. 

How much of that is it true? Not sure. But we DO know he was one on the short list of Paul’s faves. Here’s what we do know about the Big O from these verses. He had a well-known rep as a key servant/leader in the church the apostle planted in Ephesus. Most of his family are followers of Jesus. He repeatedly was a breath of fresh air for Paul. He certainly wasn’t embarrassed by his friendship with someone behind bars. Onesiphorus personally went the extra mile to find the apostle walking the Green Mile in Rome’s infamous Mamertine Prison. 

Paul prays not once but twice for God to bless the Big O and his family. “May the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus…may the Lord grant him to find mercy from the Lord” (v16, 18). The apostle trusts Jesus will be good on His own words from His most famous message. In the opening lines of the Sermon on the Mount, our Savior boldly proclaims, “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy” (Mt 5:7). If we want to get God’s mercy, we’ll give mercy to others. Generously. Lavishly. Extravagantly. Christ opens up His fire hydrant of blessing on those of us who aren’t stingy with our blessing. Onesiphorus didn’t hold back. The Big O was anything but a big zero.

The apostle gets down to the nitty gritty on why his buddy is a prime candidate for God’s goodness. First of all, “he often refreshed me” (v16). Paul uses a word here (Gr. anaspucho) which means to cheer up in person or encourage somebody who’s in deep trouble or a state of high anxiety. While I’ve never been there myself, I’m pretty sure having a capital punishment hanging over my head would mean I’m in deep trouble and a state of high anxiety! 

Anaspucho literally describes giving someone room to breathe. You help them catch their breath and provide a cool breeze. Take a look around. Who needs help? Who’s worn out, worn down, and worn to a frazzle. God wants to use you and me to revive them, restore them, and help them recover. And I need to remember that when my own tank is on “E,” those people who come to my rescue are actually sent by Jesus. The Lord is the ultimate source of refreshment for the weary and wiped out (Acts 3:20). 

The Big O didn’t just swoop in to perk up Paul once, maybe twice. The apostle makes it clear that he did it frequently. Not just random refreshment. Regularly. Repeatedly. This was no one-and-done deal. Onesiphorus made helping his friend a habit. 

Paul’s situation wasn’t an embarrassment to Onesiphorus. He certainly “was not ashamed of my chains” (v16). Unlike Phygelus and Hermogenes who left the apostle swinging in the breeze (2Tim 1:15). Following Jesus gets messy because God’s people are messy. Following Jesus gets messy because He’s always going into the mess. Our mess. He’s certainly not rattled by it. We shouldn’t be either. Onesiphorus leans in when Paul is locked up. Earlier, the apostle encourages Tim to “not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner” (2Tim 1:8). Paul is certainly “not ashamed, for I know Whom I have believed” (2Tim 1:12). 

Are there fellow followers of Jesus who embarrass you? Maybe just a little? You know the people I’m talking about, don’t you? You cringe when you think they’re just a little too bold about their Savior. They have a high JPM. Not familiar with the term? That’s “Jesus per Minute.” Maybe they’re continually giving credit to Christ for all of His blessings. Maybe they’re always prepping for a mission trip to help others in the Lord’s name and asking you to go. Maybe you think they’re just a little too quick to pull the trigger on telling others about their love for Jesus. Maybe they’ve taken a controversial stand on an issue because of what they believe.

Instead of pretending you don’t know them, take a page out of the Onesiphorus playbook. Go to them. Refresh them. Stand with them. Encourage them. Pray for them. Follow the Big O’s example. Don’t freak out. Cowboy up. And just where do you think he got this crazy idea? From Jesus Himself. He didn’t let the dubious reputation of those He came to save stand in His way. Remember how the religious snobs lost their ever lovin’ minds anytime the radical Rabbi/Carpenter hung out with the wrong crowd. Christ is willing to have His name associated with some sketchy folks. Like me. Like you. Let’s show mercy because Jesus has shown us mercy.

Onesiphorus didn’t just have warm fuzzy feelings for Paul from the comfort of his Ephesian couch. When he got the news that his friend was in behind the eight ball, it was time for a road trip. If you’re curious, a check of the map tells us the journey from Ephesus to Rome is jaunt of 1,300 miles. “When he arrived in Rome, he searched for me earnestly and found me” (v17). 

This was no casual search for the apostle. Paul describes Onesiphorus as scouring the city “earnestly.” The writer uses a very descriptive word (Gr. spoudaioteron) which means urgently, zealously, diligently, actively, and with great intensity. He totally devoted himself to the search for his friend. Think of those classic scenes from “Star Trek” when Captain Kirk begs Mr. Scott for more speed from the Starship Enterprise. Scotty always responds, “I’m giving you everything she’s got, Captain!” You can almost see the Big O spending every waking hour asking anyone and everyone if they know Paul’s location.

Again, Onesiphorus is simply doing for Paul what Jesus did for us. He left heaven on the greatest search and rescue mission the universe has ever seen. “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost” (Lk 19:10). Our Savior rolled up His sleeves to dive into the mess we’ve made and pull us to eternal safety. In case you were wondering, there’s no way we can save ourselves. We desperately need outside intervention. Divine intervention.

When we trashed God’s perfect creation, Christ didn’t throw up His hands. He got involved. Jesus is the model Missionary. He searched for us earnestly and found us. When Li’l Fugitive and the Flash turned tail and ran when Paul was arrested (2Tim , the Big O did just the opposite. He went looking for the apostle. Just like the Lord did for you and me. 

Some folks wonder if the Big O is still alive when Paul writes to Timothy. They believe that’s why the apostle asks for Jesus to bless “the household of Onesiphorus” (v16). Near the end of the letter, the apostle uses that very same phrase when telling Tim to say “hey” to “the household of Onesiphorus” (2Tim 4:19). He’s apparently not in Rome with him since Paul goes out of his way to say “Luke alone is with me” (2Tim 4:11). While we can’t be 100% sure of Onesiphorus’ status, Paul certainly asks Christ for an extra heapin’ helpin’ of mercy when the Lord makes His final return trip (v18).

So who’s the one God puts in your life to pick you up when you’re down? Who’s the person who revs your engine when it’s running rough? Who goes out of their way to come looking for you when you’re not around (maybe even running away!)? Who’s your Onesiphorus? Now turn it around. Who can you encourage? Who can you refresh? Who do you need to go search and rescue? Who needs YOU to be their Onesiphorus? Don’t forget. The Big O was anything but a big zero.