Originally posted by Redeemed1
There is a passage in Philemon that God used to speak to me very loudly regarding a particular person in my life:
v.17-18 - "So if you consider me a partner, welcome him as you would welcome me. If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me."
I realize that Paul was speaking to Philemon on behalf of Onesimus...but on one particular day, Jesus used those same words to speak to me on behalf of someone else. It spoke volumes to me.
I can see how that verse could have such impact.
Someone once noted that in Philemon, Paul did for Onesimus what Christ did for us.
Indeed there does seem to be a striking similarity.
A runaway slave (reminds me of progidal son)
who has stolen something (sin - prov 1 - the loot).
And the penelty (in Roman times for a runaway slave is death). The wages of sin is death.
Jesus says charge it to me. - cast your burden on me.
And it is finished.
And Onesimus was given the letter and we are given the Spirit.
I also find interesting the warnings given in proverbs about assuming the debt of others and the consequences of it. I wonder if these might be taken as prophecies.
I also see in this verse a great call for forgiveness. It reminds me of the parable of the uh, that one where one servant is forgiven a huge debt, and then doesn't have the same mercy on another - I think it's called the unmerciful servant? Expecially the part where it says, "not to mention you own me your very self".
I remember a scene from a movie, although I don't think I saw the movie, where one of the disciples has his cloak stolen and he's angry, and in the end Jesus offers him his cloak, but he doesn't accept it.
This also brings a great peace. For if a brother feels someone owes them something (some debt is outstanding), and they think of Jesus saying I'll assume his debt, but remember you owe me your very self. The debt can then no longer be held and there is room only for peace and love.
Grace and Peace,
Glen
Rom 13:8
8 Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law.
(NIV)
