Do the Right Thing

PASSAGE FOR THE DAY:
Philemon (click the link)


KEY VERSES:
But if he has wronged you in any way or owes you anything, charge that to my account. (Philemon 1:18, NASB)


THE BIG IDEA:
(First let me say, while other writers of this daily devotional are charged with writing about one measly chapter, I’m given the MONUMENTAL task of writing about an entire book!!!  Granted, it’s only a one-chapter book, but hey, it’s still the whole book.  Sorry, I digress…)

This letter from Paul to Philemon is a personal request for clemency that Paul is making on behalf of Onesimus.  Onesimus was Philemon’s slave who escaped and ran away…a charge punishable by death should the slave’s owner choose to do so.  But this slave met Paul, believed on the Lord Jesus, and ministered effectively with Paul.  The problem is, Onesimus is guilty of a crime; and now Paul knows about it!  To make matters worse, this crime is committed against a friend of Paul’s, Philemon.  This puts everyone in a very difficult position; if Paul turns Onesimus in, he might be sentenced to torture or death.  If he doesn’t, he’s really betraying the trust of his buddy Philemon who’s out a worker.  So what’s the “right thing” to do here?


REFLECTIONS:
In this short letter, Paul accomplishes the “right thing.”  He acknowledges that Philemon has been wronged, and that as his true friend and brother, he has no right or claim to ask for Onesimus’ pardon.  However, he also informs Philemon that Onesimus has become “useful both to you and to me.”  Paul appeals to Philemon that he receive Onesimus back, not just as a slave, but as beloved brother as well.  So, we can read from this letter that Onesimus did the right thing, he confessed his “crime” to Paul in truth and honesty; Paul did the right thing too in sending Onesimus back, however with an eloquent letter asking that Onesimus’ wrong-doing be forgiven and put onto Paul’s “account.” In reading this letter, is there any doubt that Philemon did the right thing as well; forgiving Onesimus and receiving back much more than he lost…a brother instead of a slave?


POINT OF ACTION:
So what application does this really have for us here in 2012?  Well, we can certainly use this as an example of how to advocate for someone else who has need of assistance.  Paul is advocating for the guilty dude, Onesimus, with his friend Philemon.  You know, we have an advocate working for us as well!!  1 John 2:1 says: “And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.”  Can you just picture yourself standing before the Father, who has before him a list of all your sins?  By rights, you are guilty and without excuse; but then Jesus stands up and says, “But if he has wronged you in any way or owes you anything, charge that to my account”!!!!!  Jesus not only paid the price for our sins by going to the cross, He now has become our advocate before the Father.  Just as Onesimus could have been in BIG trouble before Philemon without Paul’s advocacy, we too would be lost and condemned without Jesus’ advocacy for us!!!  

Here’s one last thought.  Try and envision Onesimus walking into Philemon’s house after running away like he did.  I can see the look on Philemon’s face; anger, resentment, punishment, and judgment are written there.  Then Onesimus hands Philemon Paul’s letter and watches him read it.  In the brief time it takes to comprehend Paul’s message, Philemon’s face turns from anger and retribution to one of forgiveness, love, acceptance, and joy.  I can just see the two of them, tears running down their faces, embracing as brothers instead of slave and master.  The slave knowing he’s not worthy, and the master now looking on him in love.  Do think it will be anything like that when we stand before our Father in Heaven?   


PRAYER:
Thank you Jesus for being my advocate, I need it!!!


WHO AM I?
I’m Alan Wassel. Yes, that’s me on the top of that rock.  Lest you think I’m an accomplished climber, there was a little path up the back-side of this rock… an easy hike… and No, I didn’t dive into the water from there; there might have been sharks!!!