Philemon: An Easter Story

COMMENTS

I had a hard time sleeping last night.  As I lay awake, my mind was seeking what Bible book the Lord would have me study next.  I had been thinking about Philemon for a few days, but I didn’t know why.  Last night, He confirmed it and gave me this title.  I can’t wait to find out what He says and how He ties this to the Easter story!

NOTES

As I read the book of Philemon, I caught little glimpses—whispers—of things that could be related to the traditional story of Easter.  But my thoughts didn’t really gel, and I had to leave for the Good Friday service at church.  Throughout the day, what I read in Philemon and what I heard at the service have percolated and solidified.  Had the Lord not revealed this to me, I NEVER would have seen it!

Philemon was a leader of the church at Colosse.  Philemon’s slave, Onesimus, had stolen money from him and run away to Rome, where he met Paul and became a Christian. Paul wrote this letter to Philemon, entreating him to receive Onesimus, forgive him, and accept him as a brother in Christ instead of a slave.

As Paul pointed out in verse 14, Philemon had free will in making the decision.  He could choose not to forgive.  I mean, Onesimus had wronged him.  He had stolen; and then, he had run away.  Philemon could have justly doled out severe punishment for either or both.

What is the Easter story?

Is it not one of forgiveness and sacrifice, acceptance and redemption?

At the cross, Jesus had a choice.  He chose to follow God’s plan and made it possible for me to be forgiven.  He sacrificed His own body for me.  He accepted me and secured my redemption.

How many times have I chosen to act “justly” rather than to forgive?  Can’t forgiveness actually be an act of sacrifice?  I sacrifice my right to be treated fairly and, instead, choose to forgive.  And it IS a choice.  My flesh usually runs to the “fair treatment” scenario; but the Spirit challenges me, as Paul did Philemon, to choose relationship instead.

Did Philemon forgive Onesimus?  Did he sacrifice his right to be treated fairly, to punish the run-away slave?  Did Philemon accept him?  Did he provide redemption to Onesimus?  We aren’t told.  But Paul seemed quite confident that he would choose the right thing.

Lord, help me always to choose the right thing….