When someone advocates for another, we often attribute their worth to the person for whom they defend. As we have gone through these verses in Philemon we might wonder why Paul would intercede for Onesimus in the manner in which he did. But then we consider the lengths to which Paul has made his plea, and we know that Paul cared for Onesimus greatly. Paul's intercession is a wonderful example of the way that Jesus intercedes to the Heavenly Father on our behalf, and as we consider the consolation for Paul should Philemon comply, perhaps we will discover a measure of Jesus' love toward us. Paul continued his plea by writing the following words in verse twenty:
Yes, brother, let me have joy of you in the Lord: refresh my bowels in the Lord.
Paul continues his intercession with the emphasis of “yes”, which implies an affirmative presumption that Philemon would comply. He calls Philemon “brother” which is a term of endearment and relationship, and once again we consider the connection that Paul employs as he writes to Philemon. Paul then gives a prelude to his own personal reaction to Philemon conceding to his requests. He asks Philemon to “let me have joy of you in the Lord.” Paul's reaction to Philemon accepting his request would be “joy”, but not only “joy” but joy of him “in the Lord.” There is a joy that is in the Lord that is like no other joy, and it is much different than happiness. Happiness is temporary and is contingent upon circumstances. Joy, however, is a deep, constant inner fruit of God's spirit dwelling within that never leaves the one who has it. Situations may change, but the joy of the Lord does not leave.
Paul also uses a phrase that is not as familiar to us today. He says, “refresh my bowels in the Lord.” In the past we have learned that the “bowels” were referred to as the seat of emotions or the deepest part of the emotions we may incur. Today we might say, “From the bottom of my heart” or “I felt that deep within my heart.” The bowels were like the “gut” feeling we have today, and this reference from Paul declares his depth of feeling toward Onesimus and Philemon. Controversy is difficult, and whenever two people we know are at odds with one another, it makes it even more challenging. Paul knew that should Philemon forgive Onesimus and bring him back into his household, Paul himself would be refreshed. We might be able to relate to Paul when two people we care about passionately reconcile.
Perhaps today our meditation upon this verse should be, “What is it that would give us joy in the Lord? What would refresh our emotions at their deepest level?” Is the concern for us, or for someone else? Is our concern for our own benefit, or the benefit of others? As we consider this, let us remember that there is nothing in the world that gives the Heavenly Father more joy and refreshment than to know that His children have been reconciled to Him. May the peace of our Heavenly Father through Jesus Christ be upon us all.
Next time we will consider Paul's presumption of what Philemon will do, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until tomorrow...there is more...
Look for the new devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore
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