We are on the home stretch! The last 6 days. The goal of this week is to re-read through the book of Colossians through the eyes of Onesimus (Col 4:9, Philemon 10)
Onesimus is a runaway slave who in the midst of his running, found Christ through Paul’s preaching. Onesimus has returned to his home and was a part of the group presenting Paul’s letter’s to the Church at Colossae and to Philemon. While this letter was being read to the entire group, Onesimus was standing there listening and watching for their reaction.
We don’t know a lot about Onesimus, but I want you to try to put yourself into his shoes. He was unsure about the future, and not garaunteed anything. Would he find kindess from his employer or justice?
Paul in Philemon makes a grand statement,
“I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, who became my son while I was in chains”
From an outcast runaway to a son who belongs. Can’t we all identify with that story? It’s the story of every person who enters in the Kingdom of God.
“Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation.” (Colossians 1:21-22)
