Philemon 1:1–21
Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, To Philemon our dear friend and co-worker, to Apphia our sister, to Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church in your house: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. When I remember you in my prayers, I always thank my God because I hear of your love for all the saints and your faith toward the Lord Jesus. I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective when you perceive all the good that we may do for Christ. I have indeed received much joy and encouragement from your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, my brother.
For this reason, though I am bold enough in Christ to command you to do your duty, yet I would rather appeal to you on the basis of love—and I, Paul, do this as an old man, and now also as a prisoner of Christ Jesus. I am appealing to you for my child, Onesimus, whose father I have become during my imprisonment. Formerly he was useless to you, but now he is indeed useful both to you and to me. I am sending him, that is, my own heart, back to you. I wanted to keep him with me, so that he might be of service to me in your place during my imprisonment for the gospel; but I preferred to do nothing without your consent, in order that your good deed might be voluntary and not something forced. Perhaps this is the reason he was separated from you for a while, so that you might have him back forever, no longer as a slave but more than a slave, a beloved brother—especially to me but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord. So if you consider me your partner, welcome him as you would welcome me. If he has wronged you in any way, or owes you anything, charge that to my account. I, Paul, am writing this with my own hand: I will repay it. I say nothing about your owing me even your own self. Yes, brother, let me have this benefit from you in the Lord! Refresh my heart in Christ. Confident of your obedience, I am writing to you, knowing that you will do even more than I say.
Reflection
Paul was giving Onesimus to Philemon. Paul was sending his dear friend to Philemon when Paul could have used the company of Onesimus the most. Paul was giving of himself a person that had turned their life around through the Gospel of Jesus. Onesimus had changed and become a Child of God, it seems right in front of Paul's eyes. You can tell from this short letter that Paul loved Onesimus and cared for Philemon.
You can also pick up on something between the slave Onesimus and Philemon. Perhaps a dispute or a separation of ways. I have heard it said that Onesimus had stolen from Philemon in the past. I can't tell by this passage, but Paul had enough love for Onesimus that he was sending him to Philemon with account paid in full, personally by Paul if necessary.
When we become Children of God, and I think even at that moment of judgment in the end; I think Jesus will speak up for us. Jesus will say, "Here is Bill. I endorse his life through my own blood and sacrifice. I paid the price in full for Bill." You can substitute the name of any Child of God in place of mine. Jesus sends us out each day with a blessing and a call. Jesus sends us out as his ordained disciples to live our lives to his honor and glory. It's through what Jesus did that we are endorsed.
Sure, I slip up. I sin. I get angry and pitch a fit. But that just gives Jesus that much more to work on. And Jesus does work on me. I return to Jesus day after day and seek his teaching, his will, his way. Jesus changes me and he can change you. It's work. It's difficult. But, Jesus is there all along the way to work with you. Anyone who thinks they have it all figured out and are the perfect "Church Lady" are sadly mistaken and lost. They are lost into themselves and their own selfish actions. They need help and guidance and the love of Jesus to lead them through.
So, we look to Jesus to send us out. We look to Jesus to endorse and save us from our sinfulness. We look to Jesus our flesh and blood, our brother, our Savior for new life in eternity. Yes, we look to Jesus and trust in his actions of love and grace. We look in hope to the future that God has planned for us into eternity.
Prayer
Lord, teach me the way. Teach me the Truth. Teach me all about you that I may go out in your name to live the life you have planned for me. You are my blessing and my life... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen
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