Have you ever noticed the service of a brother named Onesiphorus? I believe it has a word for us in these days, when many are isolated, and often are unable to meet with the Lord's people for fellowship.
The Apostle said of him in 2 Tim. 1:16-18: "He oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain... he sought me out very diligently, and found me.... In . . . many things he ministered unto me.”
What a lovely list of things are mentioned here, and how suggestive surely to any whose heart is filled with the love of Christ!
“He oft refreshed me"—like a morning breeze, full of freshness and vitality, this dear man had often refreshed the heart of the great Apostle. Although Paul may at times have been cast down, here was one who had ministered to him, who had encouraged his heart, who had cheered his spirit and sympathized with the Lord's prisoner in his bonds.
Are there not some whom we could refresh, some drooping spirits whom we could water, some whom we might be able to cheer and encourage? And then having done it once, do it often!
Of Onesiphorus it is also said, "He sought me out very diligently, and found me.”
And there are some lonely ones who will only be found in this way. They will need seeking out and finding, and such service is noticed by Him who could seek out the poor outcast woman of Sychar's well. They are known to the Lord and never forgotten by Film, yet He would have us search them out, and by so doing remind them of that link which binds us together and to Christ in glory.
Both in Rome and Ephesus Onesiphorus ministered to the Apostle, in what way we do not know, but it was known to the Lord and was precious to Him, because done to one of His own, as He says, “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these My brethren, ye have done it unto Me.”
O that we too may be ready thus to serve Him as we serve those who are His own! Young Christian!