First Read: Colossians 4:9; Philemon 1-25
KH: Hey Lord, Jon sure made a mess out of his life. Can it be fixed?
God: Now Son, you’ve read My Word. I specialize in fixing messes. Even the giant mess Adam and Eve made will be fixed one day soon. Let’s go meet Onesimus. He can help you understand… That’s him walking with Tychicus. They are going to see Philemon. Go talk with him Son.
KH: Ok Lord… Excuse me fellas, what’s going on here?
Onesimus (ON): Well, Tychicus and I are going to see my master Philemon. We have a letter for him about me and a letter to the church that meets in his house. My master’s name, Philemon, means “friendly one.” It’s a good name for him. He’s been friendly to everyone he meets since I’ve known him. I’ve seen him deal with lots of people over the years, but today will be a real test to see if he can live up to his name of being the “friendly one.” I’m pretty nervous.
KH: What’s to be nervous about?
ON: Oh, you don’t know what I did to him! I robbed him and then ran away. He has the legal right under Roman law to kill me or have me beaten. I hope this letter calms him down.
KH: Who’s the letter from?
ON: The apostle, Paul. I ran to Rome to avoid the slave catchers. I found Paul there, and he led me to Jesus.
KH: Why do you say you “found him there?” Were you looking for him?
ON: Not at first. Rome is a big city to hide in. I heard Paul preach when he was in Colosse at the church in my master’s house. I didn’t get saved, but what he said stuck with me. I knew I was a sinner and needed the Lord.
KH: Where did you find him?
ON: In prison. He was arrested in Jerusalem on false charges and was in Rome for his final appeal before Caesar. It’s taken several years to go through the legal process.
KH: I know how that goes! Sort of like the Supreme Court.
ON: Like what?
KH: Never mind. That’s what it is called in my country, and it is a slow process getting there as well. So, what’s in the letter that you hope will calm him down?
ON: Well, I spent a lot of time helping Paul and ministering to him in prison after he led me to Jesus. He explains to Philemon that I am a new man now. My name means “profitable,” but I never lived up to it. Now, with the Lord, I hope he gives me a chance to live up to that name. Paul also appeals to Philemon to receive me as a faithful and beloved brother (Phi 1:16). It’s a good thing Tychicus is with me to mediate. The letter to the church also mentions me (Col. 4:9). I pray it will cause the church to forgive my sin and accept me back. Paul even offers to pay back what I stole (Phi 1:18)!
KH: I think you will be fine, Onesimus. God forgives and even uses our failures for His glory (I Cor. 1:27-31). Philemon is a Christian and loves the Lord. I predict he will accept your apology and welcome you back. Just be faithful from now on.
ON: Oh, I will! I’ve been made new on the inside.
KH: Have a good trip, fellas.
God: Let’s go home, Son. …I fixed the mess Onesimus made because he left it in My hands. I’ll take care of your current crisis, too. Relax. I’ve got your back.