Philemon - Monday 1st April
Today’s chapter is Philemon
Tom writes:
Paul expected the gospel to produce dramatic life change. The punishments for runaway bondservants were severe, often resulting in death. If a runaway was brought back they would most likely be given the lowest levels of service in a household; minimal trust and maximum labour were the norm. And so, the request of Paul regarding Onesimus probably made Philemon fall off his chair. I suspect he strutted around his room for half a day, hitting tables and ranting about the cheek of the apostle. But then - once his emotions had cooled - Philemon would have grasped the appropriateness of the request in the light of the gospel. This is the gospel that has made Philemon a refreshing guy to be around. This is the gospel that has oozed goodness into Philemon. So if the gospel says forgiveness and restoration is the “right thing to do” it will also make it achievable and an enjoyable thing to do. It will be a win-win.
In the same way that Philemon has not been condemned, has been embraced as a brother, has been offered inheritance and hope; he can break condemnation over Onesimus, he can embrace Onesimus, he can offer Onesimus a share in the farm. And - history suggests he did do just that; an Onesimus in Byzantium was known to have moved from slave to brother to a bishop over the church. Paul expected lives to be dramatically changed by the gospel. He saw it happen. It wasn’t automatic - it required the collaboration of ordinary people like Philemon. But Paul saw that happen again and again. And so can we. If we digest the grace we are offered, and we choose to treat others like we have been treated by Jesus, then their destinies can be unlocked and their lives turned around. So much stuff today pushes us into complex and condemning crazes to create change. And so little really does change people’s lives. We can become cynical about claims of changed lives. But the refreshing truth is that in Jesus life change is easy and change is fun. All we need to do is listen to the appeal of Jesus, to see what he’s done to us, and to do the same to the world.
Question for reflection
What has Jesus done to you?
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