No Longer A Slave

Philemon vs 19 (NLT)

I, Paul, write this with my own hand: I will repay it. And I won’t mention that you owe me your very soul!

This short letter written to Philemon from Paul contains a story of second chances. History explains that Onesimus, as a slave, stole from his owner, Philemon, and ran away. Onesimus came to know Paul, and Paul introduced him to Jesus and a new life. Now that Onesimus has changed, Paul intends to send him back home, not as a fugitive slave, but a redeemed brother in Christ.

It’s comical to me. Apparently Paul knows that Philemon has a past, too. Paul does not elaborate but simply reminds Philemon, “…I won’t mention that you owe me your very soul!” Like a line from a sitcom, Paul says he won’t mention it, yet in that very statement, he mentions it.

I am certain Philemon’s heart melted toward his runaway slave, Onesimus, once Paul reminded him of his own second chance. Not only was Onesimus to be allowed to return, but he was also to be elevated. Onesimus left a slave but returned a brother. What an amazing God we serve!

We serve a God of second chances. And third chances, and fourth chances…… The redeeming blood of Jesus and our step of faith is all it takes.

Philemon vs 6

“I am praying that you will put into action the generosity that comes from your faith as you understand and experience all the good things we have in Christ.”

Today is a new day. The sun shines new every morning. I hope you realize your place in Christ and begin to live like the child of God you are not the slave of this world.