READ: Revelation 13:1-7
The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain:
2 Timothy 1:16
In the book of Revelation, you will gain some understanding about what happens to God’s servants as they serve Him. The dragon and the beast rose up to fight the church and the saints. They were given power to blaspheme, insult and slander God’s house. The blasphemies were slander, detraction and speech that was injurious to another’s good name. The blasphemy of the beast was the speaking of impious and reproachful words that were injurious to divine majesty. It is amazing that God allowed these beasts to have a chance to speak such terrible words against those that love God.
Indeed, the dragon and the beast blasphemed, slandered and maligned God Himself. The dragon and the beast opened their mouth against God, God’s name and God’s tabernacle. They spoke blasphemies against all that dwelt in heaven. Truly, it seemed as though God’s kingdom was defeated when the beast spoke endlessly against God and His kingdom. This blasphemy was allowed for forty-two long months, then blasphemies were no longer allowed. Dear friend, do not be put off by blasphemies and injurious speech levelled against God’s man of faith and power.
The apostle Paul died as a common criminal; but there was one man called Onesiphorus who was not embarrassed by Paul’s situation.
The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain:
2 Timothy 1:16
Associating with Paul the prisoner, never embarrassed Onesiphorus. Are you like that? Are you happy to be associated with the messed-up reputation of God’s servants or do you want to distance yourself from them because of the stories that are flying around about them? Are you embarrassed because of the bad reputation and blasphemies that are going around? Do not let that offend you!