The Place to Be #84

 

II Timothy 1:15 You are aware that all who are in Asia turned away from me, among whom are Phygelus and Hermogenes. 16 May the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains, 17 but when he arrived in Rome he searched for me earnestly and found me— 18 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.

Having reminded Timothy of his rich spiritual heritage, both on his mother's side and his spiritual father's side(Paul himself), Paul went on to challenge Timothy not to be ashamed that his spiritual father was in prison.  There were many, who out of fear, self-righteousness, and outright apostacy had "turned away" from both Paul and the gospel, wrongly interpreting his imprisonment as a reason for shame or to run away in fear from Christian life and service.  Paul now presented a living example for Timothy to follow: Onesiphorus - one who had been at the church at Ephesus where Timothy was now pastoring. Timothy was to follow his example of unashamed service, leadership, and faithfulness.  He had shown complete commitment and loyal love when he searched for Paul until he found him, demonstrating the mercy and grace God has shown us in Christ.  Timothy had real life examples of who to avoid and whom to mimic. We don't have to look far to find the same and follow their example.