Reflection: The Unresolved
“To Philemon et al: God’s rich grace and peace, you precious friends. I have such joy in remembering you and what we share in Christ. Your maturity and the overflow of your love in Christ makes my heart sing. Well, it’s on the basis of that love, that I now write and return your slave (and my bosom buddy), Onesimus. I’d so love to keep him as a friend, but of course he’s legally yours to reclaim…or may I suggest, even free. In any case you two need to be reconciled. And I’m confident that we can all work this out, both in technicalities and, more importantly, in love. …In remembrance of Christ’s grace, Paul. P.S. Get the guest room ready. Hope to see you soon.” (Author’s paraphrase of Philemon)
Set against yesterday’s anonymous slaves is today’s onymous (named) runaway slave, Onesimus. Whatever his faults, he’s been transformed since running into the imprisoned apostle Paul. Onesimus has been reconciled to the Master of the universe through faith in Jesus Christ. He’s found friendship and forgiveness in his new community.
But Onesimus hasn’t yet been reconciled to his earthly master. He doesn’t yet know the peace of forgiveness and restitution back home.
What a kindness of Christ to nest this little unresolved story in the canon of Scripture. Because who hasn’t experienced the heartache when followers of Christ choose not to serve up grace.
Admittedly, the letter of Roman Law meant master need not reconcile with slave. It was Philemon’s right to even punish Onesimus. But the Law given through Jesus Christ, that’s where transformation really happens. That’s where grace-abundant-experienced, is served up as grace-abundant-given. And Paul’s appeal in this little letter, is that everyone sit at the banquet of grace that unites us in Christ.
Prayer:
Before I banquet with you; before I ‘eat and remember’, Christ, shine a light in the corners of my past where I may have harboured resentment and unforgiveness. [pause] Spirit, convict and guide me to active reconciliation. Convict your people throughout the world to seek restitution-in-love. As fellow followers of Jesus daily feasting on you, may your banner over us and our sumptuous table, be love.