Philemon 17
The “POP” and flash caused me to jump! The unexpected noise occurred when I turned on the light switch. Now I have a burnt out light bulb to replace. Have you ever had the unexpected happen when you expected the light to operate as normal? We all know that lightbulbs do not last forever, but that is what we expect of them. In this verse Paul is asking Philemon to continue functioning as he has in the past as a servant and encourager of the church. However, he is asking for more. This request requires new levels of spiritual practice. Paul first asks Philemon to trust him as a partner and to display grace to Onesimus by accepting the runaway, back. Paul wants all this to be done genuinely, as if he himself were standing in front of Philemon. This was most likely a life changing moment for Philemon. The past was no longer normal as Paul challenged Philemon to new heights and greater practice of his faith. This faith is based squarely on the grace that he has received from Jesus himself. May we like Philemon continually respond with God given grace to the unexpected explosions in life. Who knows, there might be someone like Onesimus that needs to see Jesus through us. Like Philemon, others in the church and community will be watching and they will learn from our example.
For more see PHILEMON
The “POP” and flash caused me to jump! The unexpected noise occurred when I turned on the light switch. Now I have a burnt out light bulb to replace. Have you ever had the unexpected happen when you expected the light to operate as normal? We all know that lightbulbs do not last forever, but that is what we expect of them. In this verse Paul is asking Philemon to continue functioning as he has in the past as a servant and encourager of the church. However, he is asking for more. This request requires new levels of spiritual practice. Paul first asks Philemon to trust him as a partner and to display grace to Onesimus by accepting the runaway, back. Paul wants all this to be done genuinely, as if he himself were standing in front of Philemon. This was most likely a life changing moment for Philemon. The past was no longer normal as Paul challenged Philemon to new heights and greater practice of his faith. This faith is based squarely on the grace that he has received from Jesus himself. May we like Philemon continually respond with God given grace to the unexpected explosions in life. Who knows, there might be someone like Onesimus that needs to see Jesus through us. Like Philemon, others in the church and community will be watching and they will learn from our example.
For more see PHILEMON
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