In the letter to Philemon, Paul has sent Onesimus back to Philemon. Onesimus was one of Philemon’s slaves who escaped, and became a Christ-follower while apparently in prison in Rome when he met Paul. Now free, Paul happens to be sending a letter back to Ephesus, where Philemon lived, and so he had Onesimus take a letter back to his former owner.
Erwin McManus gave a talk a number of years ago where he said he thought the most spiritual thing we did every day was that we made choices. We get to choose. This is a fundamental ability God has given us. He protects our ability to choose. Because of our sin, we lost our ability to choose to do the things that would allow us to have a relationship with God. Jesus came and died on the cross to purchase for us the freedom to choose.
Paul here is asking Onesimus and Philemon to make a choice. Onesimus has been asked to choose to return to his “owner.” Philemon is being asked to free Onesimus and credit his debt, or obligation to Paul’s account.
Paul’s protecting his choice here rather than compelling him or forcing him. He’s modeling what God has done for us.
Your choices matter. Today, choose to serve Jesus by praying for and loving the people around you. You have that freedom. Those who don’t follow Jesus don’t have that freedom. Let’s live like we’re free because we are. We can choose. And our choices matter. God protects your right to choose and he is doing that for everyone you meet. Your life is just one of the illustrations, one piece of evidence when your coworkers try to reason for or against the existence of God. What kind of witness will you be today?
Also, consider joining us in our online community and becoming a recurring member. The choices we make can matter forever. Choose to be and do what Jesus would have you do today.
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