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Week 6: ASKING THE IMPOSSIBLE - AND GETTING IT
Accordingly, though I am bold enough in Christ to command you to do what is required, yet for love's sake I prefer to appeal to you-I, Paul, an old man and now a prisoner also for Christ Jesus- appeal to you for my child, Onesimus. (Philemon 8-10a).
Philemon seems to have been a wealthy man with a house large enough for the local Christian church to meet in it. He also had slaves-including a young man named Onesimus who ran away, possibly stealing some money from Philemon at the same time. By some miracle, Onesimus wound up in contact with Paul, who was in prison for Jesus' sake. Paul taught Onesimus about Jesus, and soon Onesimus was a believer. Then they agreed it was time for Onesimus to go home to face the music.
That had to be scary. What would Philemon do when Onesimus returned? Trusting in the Holy Spirit, Paul wrote this short letter for Onesimus to take back with him.
Paul explained how he loved Onesimus as his own child, and is now sending him home, asking Philemon to "receive him as you would receive me" (verse 17). What! Receive a runaway with the same welcome he would give to Paul himself? Yes, and Paul continues: "If he has wronged you at all, or owes you anything, charge that to my account... I will repay it:' He even hints that Philemon should set Onesimus free: 'This perhaps is why he was parted from you for a while, that you might have him back forever, no longer as a bondservant but more than a bondservant, as a beloved brother" (verses 18, 15-16).
In this world, nobody forgives like that. Nobody takes in a runaway thief without punishment and then promotes him to the status of family!
But it looks like it happened. There are historical traces of an early bishop named Onesimus. If this is the same man, it looks likely that Philemon did what Paul asked-he forgave and loved Onesimus with the love of Jesus Christ.
How could this happen? The Holy Spirit softened Philemon's heart to make him more like Jesus, who gave up His own life for His enemies. If Jesus can love like that, He can create His love in us as well. It's never easy. But it is possible - because it is Jesus working.
PRAY
Dear Lord Jesus, make me like You. Amen.
REFLECT
When did someone show you undeserved mercy or kindness?
What is one impossible conflict you would like to ask God for help in?
Write or say a prayer about that conflict, asking God to work in the hearts of the people involved.
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Taken from 30 Days of Household Prayers by Lutheran Hour Ministries
For more devotions like this check out LHM
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