Profitable

Bible Reading: Philemon
Philemon 1:10-11 I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds: 11 Which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me:

Do you pray for other believers? It is called intercession and Scripture instructs us to intercede for others. There are so many times when people need our prayers. However, here is an example in scripture where one person is interceding for another to a man.

Onesimus was a runaway slave who ran into Paul. Paul knew him because he was of the household of Philemon. While he was with Paul, he was led to faith in Christ. Now, Paul saw him as a son in the faith and he is sending him back to Philemon. There is a difference now. The old Onesimus that ran away is dead and a new creature is returning.

This epistle has a play on words that makes it all the more interesting. The name 'Onesimus' means useful or beneficial. Now what use is a slave that possibly steals from you and runs away? Not much!

Philemon would have wanted his things back and would have been within the law to have Onesimus punished for stealing and running away. However, Paul is interceding and he says that 'Useful' who used to be unprofitable is returning and is now profitable!

This is a wonderful example in Scripture of the change that Jesus Christ makes when he comes into our lives. He literally makes us a new creature. He sees us that way and other believers need to see us that way too.

Do you know any like Onesimus? Do you know any who were unprofitable but then met Jesus Christ and became profitable? If we are honest, that is the story of us all. Let's live the new life Christ has given us. Let us also receive those who have a new life and encourage them.

In Christ,
Rody