Mind the Gap: Morning Devotion
Philemon 8-10
Paul appeals to Philemon to free his slave, Onesimus, so that Onesimus can stay with Paul. A normal approach to Paul’s goal would be to offer a price for Onesimus, so that Philemon could be compensated for the loss of his slave. But Paul takes a novel approach.
Paul says that he has “become the father of Onesimus” during his imprisonment. This probably means that Onesimus came to faith—perhaps was baptized—while visiting Paul. And because Paul was part of his growing faith, Paul claims Onesimus as a “child.” Paul’s claim on Onesimus’ life is greater than any master, employer, or politician. They are now family.
The Church is the household of God: we are family. We are not employees at God & Jesus, Inc. We are not joiners of the Kingdom of Heaven’s Facebook page. We’re also not freeloading clients of God’s Googleplex. We are conjoined not by money, prestige, or convenience, but by blood and water: the things of life in Jesus Christ.
One of my favorite films is The Blindside, a powerful film about a homeless teenage boy and the family that decides to treat him as if he were theirs. The life of an at-risk youth is transformed by a love that crosses a genetic divide and makes him family.
Consider: What would you do for a family member that you would not do for a stranger, a co-worker, or even a friend?
These are precisely the things we’re called to do for Christian brothers and sisters, including those young siblings who come to Sonlight without knowing how deep love will go. You might be the first one to teach your campers that they are valuable not for their skill, or their success, or their coolness, but because God has put you in the same family. And we’re in this family together, no matter what.
Would you pray with me? Father of Lights, bind us together with unconditional love. Prepare our hearts to sacrifice self for our brothers and sisters, so that in our lives the person of Christ may shine. We thank you for the fellowship you give us in the Spirit. Amen!