Post by Woody Williams on Feb 8, 2008 8:48:03 GMT -5
Text for the Day -- Philemon 1:15-21
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Perhaps this is the reason he was separated from you for a while, so
that you might have him back for ever, no longer as a slave but as
more than a slave, a beloved brother—especially to me but how much
more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.
So if you consider me your partner, welcome him as you would welcome
me. If he has wronged you in any way, or owes you anything, charge
that to my account. I, Paul, am writing this with my own hand: I will
repay it. I say nothing about your owing me even your own self. Yes,
brother, let me have this benefit from you in the Lord! Refresh my
heart in Christ. Confident of your obedience, I am writing to you,
knowing that you will do even more than I say.
Devotional
----------
A run-away slave, Onesimus, encounters Paul in Rome. He is converted
to Christianity by Paul and Paul wants to send him back to Philemon,
his owner. Paul says to Philemon that he is sending him back not only
as a slave, but now also as a brother in Christ. This book is not a
book about slavery, but a living example of how Jesus creates a new
bond of fellowship because of common belief. Jesus closes the gap
between slave and slave owner and creates a new dimension to that
relationship. We don't know what Philemon did, but hopefully he freed
Onesimus and cared for him.
Prayer
---------------
Help me see the bonds of fellowship you create in my life, Lord, by
common faith with others who believe in you. Amen
----------
Perhaps this is the reason he was separated from you for a while, so
that you might have him back for ever, no longer as a slave but as
more than a slave, a beloved brother—especially to me but how much
more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.
So if you consider me your partner, welcome him as you would welcome
me. If he has wronged you in any way, or owes you anything, charge
that to my account. I, Paul, am writing this with my own hand: I will
repay it. I say nothing about your owing me even your own self. Yes,
brother, let me have this benefit from you in the Lord! Refresh my
heart in Christ. Confident of your obedience, I am writing to you,
knowing that you will do even more than I say.
Devotional
----------
A run-away slave, Onesimus, encounters Paul in Rome. He is converted
to Christianity by Paul and Paul wants to send him back to Philemon,
his owner. Paul says to Philemon that he is sending him back not only
as a slave, but now also as a brother in Christ. This book is not a
book about slavery, but a living example of how Jesus creates a new
bond of fellowship because of common belief. Jesus closes the gap
between slave and slave owner and creates a new dimension to that
relationship. We don't know what Philemon did, but hopefully he freed
Onesimus and cared for him.
Prayer
---------------
Help me see the bonds of fellowship you create in my life, Lord, by
common faith with others who believe in you. Amen