A Zealous Pursuit

“…for he often refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain…”

– 2 Timothy 1:16

The Apostle Paul was often a prisoner. Restraints seemed to have become part of his standard apparel. While imprisoned, some did not want to be counted with him, possibly placing themselves in the same danger. Yet Onesiphorus was not one of them. While Rome’s prisoner, Paul tells us that his friend “sought me out very zealously and found me.” Concern for personal safety did not prevent the helping of a friend in time of need.

The Proverbs declare, “Wealth makes many friends, but the poor is separated from his friend.” We often desire to associate ourselves with popularity. However, many in unpopular situations are not considered often. An embarrassment often nudges our delicate sensibilities, making us defectors of those we have considered friends. Cold dark dungeons commingled with cold hard metal do not make for joyful spirits. At our darkest hour, though, knowledge of a friend’s pursuit of us brings indescribable refreshment!  

A man’s “chains” often lessen the circle of his friends, but not so with this man. To Onesiphorus, Paul’s chains were an allurement. They gave speed to his feet and an urgency to his ministry. He shared the same heart as our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

The chain of sin is our Lord’s allurement to us. In God’s plan of salvation, Jesus did not consider His safety; He came running! Jesus purposely placed Himself in restraints so that in His death on the Cross, you and I may be free from the sentence of judgment. In Christ, we are no longer in life’s dark, damp dungeons. We are set up on Eagle’s wings in this ever-increasing life of victory! Our Lord’s pursuit of us has brought a refreshing untold! He “sought me out very zealously and found me.” I wonder, friend, have you discovered this soul refreshing pursuit of Christ?

“And when the scribes and Pharisees saw Him eating with the tax collectors and sinners, they said to His disciples, ‘How is it that He eats and drinks with tax collectors and sinners?’ When Jesus heard it, He said to them, ‘Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.'”

– Mark 2:16-17