Loving and Embracing our Onesimus'
The apostle Paul's entire letter to Philemon is a request for help for a prisoner returning home. Paul wrote from inside a prison in Rome asking Philemon to embrace Onesimus - a former slave he says. This is what he said in Philemon 1:15-18 "Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while was that you might have him back for good - no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother. He is very dear to me but even dearer to you, both as a man and as a brother in the Lord. So if you consider me a partner, welcome him as you would welcome me. If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me"
Some of us have had to watch our loved ones go in and out of incarceration. Another group of us have watched our loves ones be shunned and rejected as they attempted to re-enter the community. An amazing thing can happen to people who find themselves in prison - they can actually get set free. Funny how that works, isn't it? They have to get arrested and locked up to get set free. Isn't that what Paul is talking about?
Perhaps the reason some of our loved ones were separated for a little while was so that when we got them back we could get them back for good. And when they return to us they can be better than a slave (to their sins) they can be a brother or sister (in Christ).
These sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, moms and dads will hit the gates (be released from prison/jail) and will go one of two ways. Their old ways, or their 'new creation' way.... We can continue to water the seeds of word and faith that were planted in their hearts and minds while they were inside.
Yes the old man has passed away - but until all things have become new these individuals who are "dearer to us" as Paul said - need support, encouragement, accountability and guidance. This net is truly full and breaking - can you carry a corner with us?
I'm not asking you for much...... Just to use what's in your hand. Many many lives are being touched inside the detention facilities of our nation. We have an oportunity to be the light in the community that will love and embrace the Onesimus' of this nation. What do you have to offer?
I would love to help you or your church get involved in this amazing vineyard. If you are interested in reaching in or reaching out - let's talk.
Some of us have had to watch our loved ones go in and out of incarceration. Another group of us have watched our loves ones be shunned and rejected as they attempted to re-enter the community. An amazing thing can happen to people who find themselves in prison - they can actually get set free. Funny how that works, isn't it? They have to get arrested and locked up to get set free. Isn't that what Paul is talking about?
Perhaps the reason some of our loved ones were separated for a little while was so that when we got them back we could get them back for good. And when they return to us they can be better than a slave (to their sins) they can be a brother or sister (in Christ).
These sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, moms and dads will hit the gates (be released from prison/jail) and will go one of two ways. Their old ways, or their 'new creation' way.... We can continue to water the seeds of word and faith that were planted in their hearts and minds while they were inside.
Yes the old man has passed away - but until all things have become new these individuals who are "dearer to us" as Paul said - need support, encouragement, accountability and guidance. This net is truly full and breaking - can you carry a corner with us?
I'm not asking you for much...... Just to use what's in your hand. Many many lives are being touched inside the detention facilities of our nation. We have an oportunity to be the light in the community that will love and embrace the Onesimus' of this nation. What do you have to offer?
I would love to help you or your church get involved in this amazing vineyard. If you are interested in reaching in or reaching out - let's talk.
posted by Deanna Allen at 1:53 PM
