Paul's Difficult Decision (Philemon 12-13)

SPIRITUAL DIARY FOR 11-19-02

 

My Worship Time                                                      Focus:   Paul’s difficult decision

 

Bible Reading & Meditation                                     Reference:  Philemon 12-13

 

            Message of the verse:  “12 I have sent him back to you in person, that is, sending my very heart, 13 whom I wished to keep with me, so that on your behalf he might minister to me in my imprisonment for the gospel;” (NASB95)  “12 I am sending him back to you, and with him comes my own heart.  13 I really wanted to keep him here with me while I am in these chains for preaching the Good News, and he would have helped me on your behalf.”  (NLT)

            It seems to me that Paul had made a difficult decision here in sending Onesimus back to Philemon.  I am sure he was doing it for both the benefit of Onesimus and Philemon because they needed to get this situation resolved in the correct manner.  You can tell that it was hard on Paul because he says that he is sending back his heart with Onesimus, and also the fact that he was in prison and was being ministered to by him made it difficult too.  Paul also says that Onesimus was helping him out on behalf of Philemon.  I believe he was saying this because Onesimus was Philemon’s slave and he should get credit for him ministering to Paul.  I also believed he mentioned this so that Philemon would realize his need to forgive and be kind to Onesimus.

 

            Spiritual meaning for my life today:  Similar to yesterday I see a need to be consistent in making right choices no matter how difficult they are.  I can think of going to the hospital to be with mom and my sisters on Saturday and how hard it will be on me because of IBS, but I need to do it anyway, and pray that God will give me the grace to get there and back.

 

The Word of God has given me instruction and conviction as I read it today.

 

My Steps of Faith Today:  I need the Lord to aid me as I go to the church today to help out the WEBBS team as we do some work on the church building. 

 

Memory verses for the week:  Romans 11:33-36:

 

Oh, the debt of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God!  How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!

 

“For who has known the mind of the Lord”

Or who has become His counselor?”

 

“Or who has first given to Him

And it should be repaid to him?”

 

For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever.  Amen.