ERASE THE PAST

 

I am loving life here in New Castle. Yesterday, I had a new friend and SM board member take me around to meet the mayor of New Castle, and several other city workers and officials. It was a miserable day weather-wise, but I really felt the warmth and welcoming spirit of this community. It is so great to have people in your corner to support you, to encourage you, and to give you guidance. I really have had several people like that in my life. I pray that I have been that kind of person to others and will continue to be that person in their lives even though we are separated by the miles. 

I read the brief letter from Paul to Philemon this morning and really appreciate Pauls' leadership and example he set for each of us. He was a "christ-like" figure to so many people. I don't say that he WAS CHRIST, but the indwelling of Jesus Christ was so evident through his life. 

Side note: I never realized this is the only one of Paul's letters where he doesn't mention the gospel message, (Jesus crucifixion, death, burial, and defeating death). I watched a video today and the commentator made a note, "He didn't have to mention the gospel message, he was a LIVING EXAMPLE of that message." That might be more powerful than directly presenting the gospel. 

"I appeal to you to show kindness to my child, Onesimus. I became his father in the faith while here in prison. Onesimus hasn't been of much use to you in the past, but now he is very useful to both of us. I am sending him back to you, and with him comes my own heart...

...So, if you consider me your partner, welcome him as you would welcome me. If he has wronged you in any way or owes you anything, charge it to me. I, Paul, write this with my own hand: I will repay it. And I won't mention that you woe me your very soul!" (Philemon 1:10-12, 17-19, NLT)

This is such a touching story. Onesimus was a runaway slave who was owned by Philemon. Both slave and master became committed followers of Jesus. Paul was trying to reconcile the two. Paul had such a great heart and you could tell he really loved both men but wanted to have this issue resolved. 

The most "christ-like" part of this story is when Paul agrees to pay restitution for Onesimus, erasing his debt. When he did that, he was completely ERASING THE PAST and starting brand new. What a wonderfully christ-like gesture. Paul had nothing to gain by bringing these two together to resolve their issues from the past. But, he knew it was the right thing to do. What a wonderful example for us. 

Are there unresolved issues from your past that need dealt with? I can tell you from experience, that it is best to confront those issues head-on. The relief and joy you feel after is truly Holy Spirit filled. Even if you have moved on from your past, there are often things that linger, that need to be resolved. We might not realize how those issues affect us. Don't let them sit and stew. Go ahead, work to ERASE THE PAST, you might be surprised how FREEING it really can be.