Paul the apostle has been making an appeal for Onesimus who was a runaway slave who belonged to Philemon. During his escape, Onesimus gave his life to Jesus Christ through the ministry of Paul, and now he was being returned to his owner quite possibly with this book named Philemon in hand. Paul has referenced Philemon's commitment to others and his relationship with Jesus Christ; he has spoken of Philemon's reputation and testimony among fellow believers, and now one of Philemon's greatest test of his faith is at hand: what will he do with Onesimus? Paul has found Onesimus useful in his ministry, but rather than keep him for himself, he is sending Onesimus back to Philemon with an appeal. He continues that appeal in today's verse found in Philemon fourteen. Paul wrote:
But without your mind would I do nothing; that your benefit should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly.
Yesterday Paul wrote that he would have “retained” Onesimus with him because he could minister to Paul while Paul was in prison. It appears that after Onesimus gave his life to Jesus, he began to help Paul with his ministry. Now Paul strengthens his appeal for Onesimus by stating that he desired for it to be Philemon's decision whether Onesimus could continue with Paul or not. He said, “without your mind I would do nothing;” Paul believed Onesimus to be a very useful part of the work he was doing, but he wanted Philemon to give his willing permission for him to continue.
Paul adds, “that your benefit should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly.” In other words, that Philemon would “benefit” or give Onesimus to Paul not out of restraint but by a willful act. There is a lot to be said about a gift that is given begrudgingly versus one that is given freely. Even God the Father desires that we give out of cheerful hearts rather than feeling manipulated to do so. Second Corinthians chapter nine and verse seven says:
Every man according as he purposes in his heart, [so let him give]; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loves a cheerful giver.
Paul knew the rightful owner of Onesimus was Philemon, and in that day, a slave was as property. It would be a willing gift for Philemon to return Onesimus to Paul, and this is where the greatest challenge will be for Philemon's faith. Will Philemon not only forgive Onesimus, but also give him to Paul to be used in the ministry? Can we imagine this test for a moment? What if Onesimus was ours to give? Would we give him, or would we make him pay the normal price of a beating, death or at the least the branding of an “F” in his forehead to label him a fugitive? But alas, we don't have such situations today, or do we?
Let's examine two. First, what if we had someone wrong us in some manner? Would we be inclined to be merciful to them, and not only forgive them but bless them instead? Or would we make them pay the price for their infractions against us? Would we lovingly receive them back into our lives, or would we “brand” them and keep them far away? This is quite the test isn't it?
Secondly, what if we are the “runaway slave” who has wronged the rightful owner. And let's suppose that Jesus is making an intercessory appeal on our behalf before the Heavenly Father. Should God forgive us, and possibly bless us even though we deserve beating, death or at a minimum branding with an “F” on our foreheads because we are fugitives? What would our desire be? What would be our hope, and what is it that we would have God the Father decide? Perhaps when we look at it from this view, we greatly appreciate the willing permission of the grace of God that is waiting for all of us who will simply and humbly come before Him who has all power and authority at His disposal.
Next time we will look at one of the greatest verses within this tiny book, 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
No comments:
Post a Comment