“Oct 8, 2024 - Perhaps”

Monday, October 07, 2024

Perhaps

Reading:  Philemon 15-25
    
    As Paul appeals to Philemon to receive Onesimus back, he hints at a possibility that Philemon has probably not yet considered.  “For this perhaps is why he was parted from you for a while, that you might have him back forever, no longer as a bondservant but more than a bondservant, as a beloved brother”(Phile 15-16).  He wants Philemon to imagine that there was a purpose behind this whole ordeal.  Perhaps God has allowed Onesimus to run away, come to find Paul, accept the gospel, and return to him just for this moment.  Perhaps all these events have been leading to this fork in the road.  With the word “perhaps,” Paul introduces the idea of God’s intervention and a larger meaning to his life.

    This vision is intended to inspire Philemon.  “So if you consider me your partner, receive him as you would receive me”(Phile 17).  Paul wants a warm reception for Onesimus and calls on Philemon to remember their own bond as partners (v. 17) and fellow workers (v. 1).  “If he has wronged you at all, or owes you anything, charge that to my account. I, Paul, write this with my own hand:  I will repay it—to say nothing of your owing me even your own self”(Phile 18-19).  It is a call to forgiveness of debts both physical and emotional just because Paul is asking.  Paul vouches for Onesimus, stating that he will pay whatever debts he has incurred.  And Paul mentions (without mentioning) that Philemon owes Paul “even your own self.”  Paul closes the letter “confident of your obedience”(Philemon 21), certain that Philemon will do the right thing.    

    “Perhaps” is Paul’s way of introducing what we sometimes call “providence”—the involvement of God in the everyday affairs of men.  It combines the question “What if God is behind this?” with the question “What would God want me to do in this situation?”.  This type of thinking leads to faith-based actions, like forgiveness and joy.  It gives us hope and builds faith to see small glimpses of God’s work in our lives.  Perhaps it has all been building to this moment.

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One Thing to Think About: How have I seen God at work in the ordinary events of my life?

One Thing to Pray For:  The vision to see God’s work—and courage to act accordingly
 

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