Onesiphorus

I

t was Shakespeare who, in the play Romeo and Juliet, coined the phrase, "What's in a name?"  It is a good question and one that merits much consideration.  Expectant parents spend hours combing through bookstores, searching for books that list names and their meanings.  They spend weeks or months pouring over these volumes, searching for the perfect name for their child. 

Moreover, several novelty stores, gift shops, bookstores, and card shops sell cards or magnets giving the origin and meaning of people's names.  Sometimes the information on the card or magnet proves an accurate representation of the person of the same name.  My parents, for instance, must have had great foresight.  Blake means dark-haired and fair-skinned which is exactly the way I look.  They both say they just liked the name Blake; but I believe there was more to it than that!

In light of the recent tragedy in New York, much attention has been given to people's names.  Soon, the names of some of the hijackers of the four planes used in this attack will be released.  The names of survivors as well as those pulled from the ruins of the World Trade Center have been publicized and announced on every radio and television station in the country.  And, there is a growing list of names, unpublished as of yet, of people who are missing and of those who did not survive this tragedy.  In addition, the names of countless volunteers involved in the clean-up effort, the names of those donating blood, money, or materials, and the names of those offering prayers will never be fully known.

So, what is in a name?  Can a name really make that much difference?  The Apostle Paul would answer this last question with a resounding yes.  In 2 Timothy 1:16, he writes, "The Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain."  This man, Onesiphorus, is mentioned only twice in the Scriptures, but he made a lasting impression on the Apostle Paul.  Paul was in chains in Rome writing this letter to Timothy.  Not long after this, Paul would be executed.  He was imprisoned, alone, and seemingly forgotten by his friends.  But Onesiphorus came to see him and to minister to him.  Notice that Paul says Onesiphorus was not ashamed of his chain but came to see him in his most desperate hour, regardless of his circumstances.  Onesiphorus' name means profitable; and such a friend was profitable to Paul in his hour of need.

The current state of affairs in the United States has left many people experiencing their most desperate hour.  The loss of life is unprecedented in this country and in the coming days and weeks, people all over our land will need the help of others.  Let us be like Onesiphorus who brought refreshment to Paul. Let us be continually in prayer for the rescue workers in New York.  Let us be continually in prayer for those who have sustained the loss of family and friends.  Let us make use of every available opportunity and resource that God has given us to help those in need. 

It is not important that our individual names be known as long as the name of Christ is honored and glorified.  Whatever assistance we are able to give, be it money, time, materials, or prayer, let us give it in the name of Christ.  Nothing we do is too small and no effort put forth is in vain if it is done in Jesus' name.  Like Onesiphorus, let us prove not only refreshing to those in need but let our friendship and our character be profitable to those who are so very desperate.  In his letter to the Galatians, Paul says it best, "And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith." (Galatians 6:9-10).