Saturday September 4, 2021

From "good for nothing" to "useful"

Indeed, the Son of man came to seek and save what was lost. Luke 19.10

In the letter written by the apostle Paul to Philemon, his friend and brother in the faith, we discover in the background the journey of a man named Onesimus (meaning "useful"). A runaway slave, he harmed his master Philemon, behaving rather "good-for-nothing" with him (Paul is making a pun on the name of Onesimus here!). But now things have changed a lot, by the grace of God. The culprit, put in relation with Jesus and his forgiveness, recognized his guilt and his misdeeds, then tasted divine forgiveness. He immediately proved himself by becoming useful in the service of the apostle who entrusted him with a mission with his friend Tychicus (Colossians 4:7-9).

In this letter, Paul acts as an intermediary between Onesimus and Philemon, who have become brothers in Christ. He explains to Philemon the changes that took place in his slave's life during his flight and puts Onesimus back on the right track by helping him right the wrongs towards his master.

This little letter is a great source of encouragement and hope for anyone who thinks - or is said to be - "good for nothing". When Jesus comes to seek and save them, they repent and receive divine forgiveness, a new life opens up before them (2 Corinthians 5:17), then they can become useful in the hands of their Savior and Lord.

Beatrice Guerche

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Suggested reading : Letter to Philemon, verses 10 to 21.

Source (Live Today)