November 2, 2024 - Philemon

Philemon is a very short epistle from Paul to a fellow worker for Christ.  Paul begins by thanking Philemon for his love and ministry for Jesus and  the saints.  Paul’s primary intention, though, is to plead on behalf of Onesimus, a slave who had run away from Philemon.  Paul writes to Philemon regarding Onesimus who had left:  “For this perhaps is why he was parted from you for a while, that you might have him back forever, no longer as a slave, but more than a slave, as a beloved brother” (vss. 15,16).  Sort of a picture of our relationship to the Savior, isn’t it?  Once relating to him in an antagonistic way, rebels against him and haters of him, we have been brought to Jesus as brothers.  That's grace!  Amazing grace!

Who would ever have believed it?

Who could ever have conceived it?

Who dared traced God’s hand behind it?

When a servant came among us?

We, like sheep, despite our wisdom

All had wandered from God’s purpose;

And our due in pain and anger

God let fall on One among us.   –John L. Bell (1995)