The title of our blog is taken from 2 Timothy 1:16 that speaks of the household of Onesiphorus, commends them for two things: (1) They often refreshed him (2) They were not ashamed of his chains.
The first commendation we will take up here. The second will occupy our thoughts for the next blog. Onesiphorus was also commended for the “services” he rendered in Ephesus (1:18). It’s a wonderful thought to have a brother to have such an affect on another that it would be said of him, “He often refreshed me.” Imagine the apostle is limited in house arrest and, while Luke is still with him, to see the faces of his fellow servants would be a welcomed sight. Visiting one in prison would bring much comfort that he was not forgotten. But, to know that someone went to great pains in finding you would even be more comforting. For some of us, if we called someone but found no answer, we might report back later that we tried reaching them. We may not have left a voice mail, email, or text message but at least, we did make an effort. But, Onesiphorus “searched diligently” til he found Paul. We don’t know what he went through as he searched for him, but he did not give up. He was determined to find him. When he found Paul, how do suppose he would have felt when he heard how much trouble and effort Onesiphorus experienced in finding him? Would you not feel refreshed? This word is found a few times in Philemon in describing Onesimus who “refreshed” the hearts of saints (v. 7). We would do well to emulate their example and contribute to others to the point that our presence had the same kind of effect – a refreshing effect. Perhaps a word of cheer, comfort, or encouragement, a smile, an embrace, or the comforting news of concern and love from fellow saints would have included such a visit. We are not told the specifics but only the effect of his love and affection.
I can think of a time that might illustrate a refreshing moment physically. While we are not describing a physical moment, the idea of “refreshing” carries the idea of rejuvenation. The very presence of people can provide a “pick me up” or “draining thoughts of despondency and negativity.” So, here’s the physical illustration taken from a personal moment in my life when I was on the farm back in Texas. I was just a boy trying to pick up 120 pound square bale of hay. I usually stacked the hay, while the older brothers threw them up to me. We were finishing up a long day of work and I was in the hay loft. It was very hot. The dust was thick in the air and no ventilation. I was last to come down, having dropped the last bale in its place. I was wringing wet from the sweat and the dust clung to me. I was glad to get a fresh breath of air, even though it was hot air. I snorted and coughed to clear my nose throat to get more oxygen. I saw through the corner of my dusty eyelids a large picture of tea and the clanging sound of empty glasses with only the sound of ice cubes remaining. As I walked over to the rest, Momma offered me a full glass of ice tea and said, “Here, son. Rest a while.” I rested that cold wet glass against my face and began to drink her tea. There had not been any breeze that day. When I downed the glass of tea, took a long sigh, and closed my eyes to take it all in, a cool breeze swept around that old barn for just a moment. I immediately said, “Can it get any better than this?” That is the description of this word, “refreshing.” Now, the application in our text is that we can have that same comforting and refreshing effect on others. Yet, it takes a servant’s heart. If we can only look outside ourselves and our needs to see the hurts and pains of others and compassionately reach out with a glass of tea (symbolically), we would create a world of refreshment all around us.