MONDAY February 3, 2025
Do You Have an Eternal Perspective?
For perhaps he departed for a while for this purpose, that you might receive him forever, no longer as a slave but more than a slave—a beloved brother, especially to me but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.
Philemon 15-16
Paul gave Philemon an eternal perspective about the situation at hand. Onesimus had been changed by the power of the Gospel. He was no longer viewed as a thief, but as a son in the faith. Remember, Paul called Onesimus a son––he was now considered as family. Therefore, his friend should receive him back as a beloved brother in Christ––no longer as just a slave. Philemon was to look at him differently––not as a slave to command, but as a brother to love.
If Philemon decided to receive him back, this meant his slave would have to live with him once more. That would be difficult without his willingness to forgive. Paul reasoned with his friend further, saying that Onesimus could be of greater value to him. His servant could become such a blessing in his life if he received him back.
Imagine the incredible power the Gospel has to transform lives. When you are obedient and share the message of salvation with a drunkard, a drug addict, or even a murderer, they have an opportunity to come to Jesus and be saved––regenerated. Their entire life can be changed.
As I thought about Onesimus, it could be that you have a son or daughter, a husband or wife, who just up and left––they departed. But God has His ways of bringing them back completely changed. They, too, may have gone away unprofitable; but if they returned saved, they would be profitable––a blessing to your life. Guard your heart from resentment. Through forgiveness, you will be able to receive them back. God will help you to forgive; He will work deep within your heart.
Repentance is something that is brought about in the human heart by the work of God the Holy Spirit.
~R.C. Sproul~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
