May 5th, 2023
Let’s read the book of Philemon once again; this time read slower and consider the miracle performed in changing Onesimus through the caring relationship with the apostle Paul.
Notice Vs.10 – Paul became a father to Onesimus while in prison – i.e. he led him to faith in Christ. Onesimus was a prodigal to Philemon, and he ran into the arms of Jesus when arrested in Rome and held in a prison cell with Paul. How amazing!
‘ZOOM IN’ to Verses 11 – 16. Notice the transformation of Onesimus – ‘once useless’ now ‘useful’ … ‘separated for a brief time’ but now ‘get him back permanently’…. Once a ‘slave’ but now so much more ‘a dearly loved brother.’
Be aware of ‘prodigals’ the Lord maybe placing in your daily traffic patterns. Ask the Lord to make you like Paul, one who can lead ‘runaways’ to ‘run to the arms of Jesus.’
Also, celebrate how the Lord has transformed you – making you a new creation in Christ; no longer ‘useless’ but ‘useful’ for His glory.
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