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ONESIMUS
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29
Philemon 1:10-19

Colossians 4:9

 

“With Onesimus, a faithful and

beloved brother, who is one of you.”

 

ONESIMUS
 
Another famous person in the history of the church is Onesimus. He was a runaway slave of Philemon who encountered the Apostle Paul in Rome. Through Paul’s ministry, he became a Christian and was sent back to his master with Paul’s letter, the Epistle to Philemon. In it, Paul urged Philemon to receive Onesimus not as a slave, but as a beloved brother in Christ. Once “unprofitable” (Philem 1:11), Onesimus was then “profitable,” transformed by the grace of God. Paul even promised to repay any debt Onesimus owed, asking Philemon to treat him as he would treat Paul himself.
 
How can one who is unfaithful become faithful? How can one who is despised become beloved? How can one who is unprofitable become profitable? Is it through education and training in universities? Through the counsel of psychologists and psychiatrists? Through the teachings of gurus and priests? Not at all!
 
It is only by the transforming power of God through regeneration when one believes in Jesus Christ as one’s Lord and Saviour. He becomes a new creation. Old things pass away, and all things become new. His life is freed from the bondage of sin, self and Satan. He is conformed to the Word, not to the world. He is bound for heaven, not for hell. O, what a glorious and miraculous work of renewal in the life of one who was once dead, depraved and doomed! Are you restored and forgiven by the mercies of God through the perfect sacrifice of Jesus? Are you reformed and renewed by grace through faith in Christ? Are you revived and ready for service by the power of the Gospel you have received? Make every moment count as you serve the Lord. Let each day be a blessing to Him as you witness for Him. Let every year be a milestone for Him as you proclaim His Word.
 
Do not let your past hinder you from engaging in the ministry of the Word. Do not let others’ judgments of who you once were prevent you from faithfully serving Christ. Do not let self-condemnation keep you from devoting your life to your Lord.
 
THOUGHT: Am I truly a faithful servant of God?

PRAYER: Father, transform me powerfully that I may serve Thee.

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