Day 3: Ever Get in Your Own Way? (Philemon)
Today’s Passage: Philemon verses 4-22
I identify myself as a follower of Jesus, yet there are parts of me that seem less from Jesus and more from this world.
For example, I can easily be skeptical and even cynical. While it bothers me, it is important that I am not blind to them. Having my skepticism and cynicism in view allows me to be mindful of their effects.
Why do I bring this situation up? I mentioned that as we read the Letter to Philemon, we would be peeling back its layers; a metaphor to go deeper and learn from it.
The first layer I need to peel back isn’t in the letter, it’s in me.
As you read these few short verses what is your reaction?
Some people react that Paul is being manipulative. They see Paul’s language as so sweet, as to be syrupy.
Other people react, appropriately so, when they read about slavery/bondservants. This is especially true in the USA. Reading even one word can trigger our minds, and we begin reading the letter as a treatise about slavery. Some ask, “Why isn’t Paul outright condemning it?”
Still, others wonder if any of this is true. Was Paul in prison, and if so, where? Was Philemon a slave? The list goes on.
Our minds, often conditioned by the world, can make it challenging to read anything…especially the Bible. It is not only our physical world throwing obstacles in our way.
Reading the Bible is not a simple human exercise. You are asking the Living God to speak to you through His Holy Word.
Your enemy is not interested in you hearing from God. He uses any number of weapons- distraction and diversion being two that are most effective.
It is why I suggest you and I pray before we read God’s Word.
Let me ask you again- what is your reaction to reading this small bit of Scripture?
Pause for a moment, before you read on, and see if you can identify any.
My recognition of my suspicion and cynicism affords me an opportunity. I can stop and choose a different path. I choose to see the text neither as manipulative nor false.
People will often start a comment about the Bible with a phrase, “Well Paul says…” I react to that phrase. It is not Paul saying it—it is God. He is the author of this letter.
And because God is involved in the writing of this letter, I choose to believe that its human author is genuine and true. Paul desires that Onesimus, a bondservant who has wronged Philemon, be welcomed back by his owner without repercussion. He makes that request based on his relationship with Philemon, knowing full well that it goes against the norms of the day.