Daily Manna: Stand In The Gap Monday 26, August 2013 TEXT: PHILEMON 10-25 KEY VERSE: “I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds: Which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me” (Philemon 10,11). Asong writer scripted, “He forgives and forgets. Not as mortals forgive one another, but as Jesus forgives and forgets.” Paul the apostle saw the need to write to Philemon about Onesimus who was once his servant. Onesimus had offended his master and ran away with some items of his property. But now converted, Paul wrote to plead for Onesimus. He was teaching him about restitution, and thus decided to send him back to his master for full reconciliation. While sending him back, Paul needed to impress it upon Philemon that Onesimus has become a changed person. He added that if Philemon desired, he (Paul) would pay whatever Onesimus might have taken away from him. As we ponder over the passage today, there are many lessons therein. Paul did not tell Onesimus to continue in his new-found faith and forget about the events of the past. He did not hold back Onesimus to be an errand boy for him but decided to release him to reunite with his master. Paul was totally convinced of the salvation experience Onesimus was professing, and for this reason, he was not afraid to accept the responsibility of paying back whatever the young man must have stolen from his master. His personal commitment and assurance as contained in the letter he sent to Philemon through Onesimus must have encouraged the run-away servant to take the bold step of going back to his master. What impact does our leadership/interaction have on young believers? Do they have enough confidence in us as to confide in us? Our firm but positive attitude to backsliders and sinners will always draw them closer to the Lord. THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: The quality of your life is measured by the value you add to other lives.
Posted on: Mon, 26 Aug 2013 06:31:23 +0000
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