WE WONDER if “we,” our lives, matter. Will we reach our dreams? Will our children want to see us when we’re old? Does anybody really care about us now? We were placed here to create and never stop being creative—until we ‘stop.’ We were designed to love and to be loved; to care for and be cared for. We need affection and forgiveness.
There is a story of two men who lived 20 centuries ago in Greece, Rome, and what is now Turkey. One was a wealthy businessman named Philemon (meaning “Affectionate”). The other, his slave,Ὀνήσιμος (Oh-NESS-i-mus)—meaning “Useful.”
Onessimus became a runaway after being accused of stealing from his owner, Philemon. He fled in search of Paul the apostle, a friend of Philemon; Paul had converted Philemon to Christianity. Ironically, Onessimus found Paul in prison. He stayed for awhile, becoming an assistant to Paul. It was during that time when Onessimus’ life changed forever. He transformed such that Paul couldn’t resist writing a pun in his letter to Philemon—that Onessimus had become very ‘useful’ to him.
Eventually Paul sent Onessimus back to Philemon with a personal letter asking his friend to reconcile the situation, appealing for ‘affection’ toward Christ and his friendship with Paul. The details upon Onessimus’ return are not part of the Bible story. No doubt in my mind that Philemon not only forgave and set free his brother Onessimus but may have helped fund his ministry. For we learn from church history records that a Bishop in the Ephesian church named “Onessimus” died in AD 95.
Imagine that. An otherwise unremarkable story about a runaway slave who lived long ago impacted many lives, is mentioned in two books of the Bible, and eventually lived up to his name. And a man who could have ruined 'Useful' lived up to the name they both wore—Christian. Transformed by the power of love, Philemon and Onessimus’ story still impacts our lives; forever. They became useful and affectionate in Jesus!
For those who are quick to say the Bible does not address "slavery," I say you aren't really paying attention to the story dynamics. It discusses attitudes far and away deeper and more noble than our conversation today in the United States. We are all slaves to something and someone.
But the Bible plainly states that we choose our master. It's an uncomfortable topic for some. Especially for those who don't understand God. I'm sure it's quite strange to much of the world. God says the choice is actually quite simple. Will we choose the cruel master, who steals, kills, and destroys, or the the gentle master who sets us free from the heaviness of our mistakes and lacking, and then lavishes us with dignity, purpose, and a wonderful future?
What if, out of respect for God, we choose to set those who have hurt us free from all they may owe us, all the hurts they aimed toward us, and remove their chains of guilt and fear? I bet neither Philemon nor Onessimus had any idea their decision to hold Godly affection and forgiveness above all else would be recorded for the remainder of human history.
We don’t need more human laws and favoritism, bitterness, lectures, guilt trips, fame, wealth; just Jesus and a resolute decision . . . that no matter what happens, the title on God’s book about us will read simply,You lived a Useful life by the way you demonstrated your Affection toward God and your fellow humans.
©️ Copyright 2019 MyPericope.com
Comments