Begin with two minutes of silence and stillness before God.
Have you ever had someone stand up for you or speak on your behalf?
It might have felt a bit uncomfortable at first but then their kindness floods your heart with gratitude.
Someone who knows your mistakes and seeks to help anyway.
Someone who says, "You are not alone, we’ve all made mistakes."
Someone who guides you toward the One who Redeems and Restores.
Someone who recognizes your repentance and change of heart.
Someone who can testify to your new walk by faith.
Paul was that someone for Onesimus.
Our reading today shines a light on Philemon 1. This book of the Bible consists of one chapter only, but, wow, is it filled with wisdom and forgiveness! Paul is writing a personal letter to his friend, Philemon. In his letter, Paul expresses appreciation for their friendship. Philemon was a Greek landowner who had been converted under Paul’s ministry. Philemon opened his home where the Colossian church met - one of the original house churches. Philemon had a slave named Onesimus who had wronged him and ran away. Onesimus made his way to Rome where he met Paul. From prison, Paul led Onesimus to the Lord.
In verses 11-16, Paul makes an appeal on Onesimus’ behalf. Paul knows Onesimus’ sin and Paul also knows of his repentance. Paul had grown to love Onesimus as he loved Philemon - as brothers in Christ. Paul witnessed the change in Onesimus’ heart and hoped Philemon would accept Onesimus back into his home and fellowship.
“Perhaps the reason he (Onesimus) was separated from you for a little while was that you might have him back for good - no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother. He is very dear to me but even dearer to you, both as a man and as a brother in the Lord.” Philemon 1:15
Paul worked to transform relationships. He knew the beauty of forgiveness. The Gospel began to change social structures by changing the people within those structures. (See 1 Corinthians 7:20-24, Ephesians 6:5-9, Colossians 3:22-4:1) The life and message of Jesus Christ changes everything. HE taught and illuminated the Upside Down Kingdom where the last can become first, the weak can become strong, and a slave can become a brother.
JESUS stands up for us!
JESUS speaks to His Father on our behalf!
HE knows our mistakes and seeks to help anyway.
HE says, “You are not alone! I am with you!”
HE is the One who Redeems and Restores.
HE recognizes our repentance and change of heart.
HE will testify to our new walk of faith in HIM!
Perhaps you have stood in Philemon’s shoes as the offended or Onesimus’ shoes as the offender; possibly even in Paul’s shoes as an intercessor. The amazing fact is they each played a part in God’s plan to expand His Kingdom. HE calls us to be used in similar ways and circumstances. We are part of His plan! How will you participate in Jesus’ Upside Down Kingdom today? Do you need to forgive someone, seek forgiveness from another, or stand up on someone’s behalf?
Take two minutes to reflect in silence.