I was reading Philemon today. This book in the New Testament is very small and contains just one simple chapter containing a letter from Paul to Philemon. Yet its purpose of instruction is mighty! Onesimus was a slave and he had run away. Some commentators say that he had stolen from his owner and then ran away but as Paul only states “if he owes you anything” I can’t say that I agree completely with their assessment. However, the main purpose isn’t really about how or why Onesimus became separated from Philemon. The main purpose is that Paul is trying to be of service by being a good influence and a mediator between the two men. The most striking point is that Paul is still in prison but he did not let that stop him from doing good where he could!
Reading this chapter today made me think back a week or so ago when my niece had called and asked me for advice on finding a new church home closer to where she is living. Elizabeth has moved out on her own and isn’t always making the best choices as a “grown up.” I think its pretty safe to say we’ve all been there, done that! Elizabeth has many friends that she could be getting advice from but I was pleased that she recognized those friends don’t always have her best interests at heart and that she really wanted to talk with someone she could trust. I recognize through this passage that even though I don’t live at home or in my hometown anymore… haven’t for nearly 19 years… I can still be a good influence on others whom I have relationships with, whether I am nearby or not.
I also recognize with this passage that people change. No matter what good Onesimus did for Philemon while he was with him originally, Philemon still probably only thought of Onesimus in the negative after he ran away. It took recognition by a friend who was in good standing with both men to be a mediator between the two. Philemon needed Paul to give him perspective on the situation. Onesimus needed Paul to give him courage to return. In meeting the needs of both men, Paul was not only a good influence, but a godly one as well!
Do people look at you as a godly influence? Who are some people who’ve been a godly influence for you?
The late Pastor Spencer Williamson, Calvary Baptist Church, Fort Lauderdale, Fl taught me that Jesus is sufficient for all things. He used to say, ”I have Jesus for this” for whatever arose.
He also taught me one can get more done by prayer, then he can just running around.
HE also taught me that Giving is a grace.
When I see him, in The Rapture, I will thank him for allowing the Lord to use him in my life and ministry.
I’m afraid that I have failed on this blog to wield a godly influence by my cocksure attitude and combative spirit. When we get to Heaven, we shall find out how wrong all of us have been. No one of us has the corner on ALL the truth.
IF I HAVE OFFENDED ANYONE ON PREVIOUS POSTS, PLEASE FORGIVE ME. I REPENT.
Well, Brother Foltz, who has not failed in the heat of combat to say and do to things that reflect poorly on our Blessed Lord and Savior? What gets me is that He still puts up with me when I am at my best. At my best I am worthy of Hell. My best is shot through with evil. Only the Lord Jesus Christ can get any glory from our sordid lives, and He will. For 36 yrs. now I have prayed and sought the Lord’s face for the Third Great Awakening, but I must admit that as I hope to come to Heaven I will probably never get to see my poor afflicted uncle who slept in the same room with me for 11 years and who raved and cursed for hrs on end. I will not get to see him, because he will be so close to the throne and I will be so far from it that I won’t be able to see him. On his death bed that 60 yr old man with the mind of a 6 yr. old cried over and over, “Dear Lord, Save my soul! Dear Lord, Save my soul!” I believe he fulfilled a purpose in this world, and God bestows greater rewards on those who have suffered so greatly. When ministers die that are the Lord’s servants, there is a special attendance of angels. When the man died who had burned the Bible (RSV) for the rendering of Isa.7:14, his members said there was something in that room that was utterly touching. Rev. Luther Hux was a personal friend who stood for the word of God. We all have sins and failures that grieve us. How could it be other wise, when we know that we have disappointed our Lord whom we wanted to please more than life itself? Only our Lord can comfort our hearts then and even now at times. Think of the grief of David! Was there ever such sorrow on the part of one of God’s children for such a failure? Did not God restore comforts to him as He did to others of His children? Remember. Just one glimpse of His dear Face, All sorrows will erase. God’s presence will more than reward us for our disappointments in ourselves and in our failures. The old things will be utterly forgotten in the light of His glory and grace.
Dr. James Willinghams last blog post..A preternatural and invisible hand