“Philemon, though I could command you to do what is required, yet for love’s sake I appeal to you on the basis of grace. I’m an old man now and write you from prison as a prisoner for Christ Jesus, I appeal to you for my spiritual son Onesimus, whose father I became in my imprisonment. Formerly he was useless to you, but now everything has changed for all three of us”. (Paraphrase of Philemon 1:8-11)
Lord Jesus, what a grace-story these few verses tell. One man’s “useless” slave became another man’s beloved son. Stories like this show and tell the Gospel in a profoundly beautiful way. I relate to Onesimus (a runaway slave), Philemon (his “owner”), and Paul who in a painful season of life, rested, rejoiced, and reasoned from the Gospel.
Jesus thanks for pursing, engaging, and rescuing me—just as Paul welcomed, loved, and discipled Onesimus. You found me, bound me to your heart, and are freeing me to know more of the depths of your mercy and grace. I also know what it’s like to be Philemon for I know the pain of being betrayed. Forgive me for defining and labeling anyone by their worst moment. Everyone is broken but no one is “useless”—for none of us are tools to be used but people who desperately need you.
Paul saw something in Onesimus that Philemon didn’t see. Jesus, you saw something in me that no one else saw. Enable me to see what you see in others. Help me to look at people—all people, through the lens of the Gospel with a heart of grace. Free me to crave stories of redemption over stories of retaliation. Who have I written off? Who have I renamed “worthless” and “never to be trusted again”? If I now call them “enemy” you call me to love even my enemies (Luke 6:27-36). Forgive and free me, Jesus. So Very Amen.
