“The Lord give mercy to the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain” (2 Timothy 1:16).
TEXT — 2 Timothy 1:15-18
Message
Bill Withers’ childhood in the coal mining town of Slab Fork, West Virginia, United States, inspired the hit song Lean On Me. He wrote the song after he had moved to Los Angeles and found himself lonely, missing the strong community life of his hometown. The song conveys the message of support, friendship, and unity. The theme revolves around being there for one another in times of need, offering help and solidarity.
The Apostle Paul was in such a situation when he was left alone and deserted by most of his friends and close companions. At this time, Onesiphorus came along to give him much-needed company, love, and support. Paul appreciated this gesture of Onesiphorus, and it gladdened his heart so much that he prayed for God’s blessings on him.
We live in an age when we seem so busy and occupied with ourselves and our needs that we barely have time to spare a thought for fellow brothers and sisters. And yet, many people are suffering from the harsh effects of the economy, social unrest, spate of insecurity, and other individual and domestic problems here and there. So many people in need have been left all alone. Many are already dispirited and are on the verge of giving up their faith. At this time, the Lord is calling on us to become another Onesiphorus to our brethren in need. Let us provide our shoulders for those in need around us to lean on.
We must also consider our “Pauls” today, our pastors and leaders. They are human, too, and need love, care, support, and fellowship. Many are battling severe opposition from those who hate the Lord and despise the truth of the gospel they preach. The social media platforms are filled with so many uncharitable comments and verbal attacks on the ministers of the truth. The heavy demands and responsibilities of ministry weigh heavily on them. We must not abandon them. We must stand by them by upholding the truth they proclaim, praying often for them, identifying with them in every way possible, and letting them know that they are not alone and can lean on us. When we give others our shoulders to lean on when they need us, a time will come when we, too, will need their shoulders to lean on.
Thought for the day
Our strength is most manifested when we strengthen others.
Listed among “500 most powerful people on the planet” by the Foreign Policy magazine in 2013, Pastor (Dr.) William F. Kumuyi is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry (DCLM) headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria. DCLM started in 1973 as a 15-member Bible study group right in Kumuyi’s apartment at University of Lagos where he was a lecturer. His revolutionary Bible teaching on personal holiness and commitment to evangelism soon gained so much traction and resulted in a widespread revival.
Thanks be to God for this homily. Almighty God, please provide for me those that l can lean on, particularly in my times of need and loneliness in Jesus name, Amen. Let me also be available for those who need someone to lean on in Jesus name, Amen.
So enriching
Thanks be to God for this homily. Almighty God, please provide for me those that l can lean on, particularly in my times of need and loneliness in Jesus name, Amen. Let me also be available for those who need someone to lean on in Jesus name, Amen.