Do you recognize the name Onesimus?
I didn’t, either, until a blog post pointed me to the short letter of Paul to his friend Philemon. I’d forgotten about Onesimus, but I suppose that’s what happens to slaves. The letter’s really about Onesimus, but we remember his owner’s name.
We sometimes wonder why Paul, or Jesus for that matter, never came out and said, “Slavery is wrong. All slaves should be free–now.” Like the disciples, we wonder why Jesus didn’t unleash the power of heaven to right this horrible wrong. Paul’s note to Philemon reminds us that God’s kingdom works differently.
Jesus deals with people one at a time.
So Paul didn’t write a condemnation of the institution of slavery from his position as chief apostle. Instead, he wrote a note to a friend based on love.
Therefore, although in Christ I could be bold and order you to do what you ought to do, yet I prefer to appeal to you on the basis of love. (vs 8-9)
Elsewhere Paul calls Onesimus his son and Philemon’s brother and says they are all on equal footing–explosive language in a master-slave culture.
The clear message: welcome this man, this former slave, as a beloved child of God. Live out Jesus’ words, “… whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all.”
Paul put himself on the line for Onesimus–not for the broad issue of ending slavery but for this one single slave. Apparently, that’s our task as well.
You and I aren’t responsible to end human trafficking or abolish slavery. We are responsible for doing what’s in front of us.
For the FREEDOM TOUR, that means bringing hope and freedom to one group of rescued kids in one safe house called the HOME OF HOPE in New Delhi. It means sweating a bit so those special kids get the chance to become the men and women God intended.
I don’t know how the Onesimus story ended, whether Philemon followed Paul’s request and granted his freedom. I do know our kids will have a shot at education, freedom, and a life with Jesus.
One person, one child, one ancient slave at a time. That’s how Jesus chose to change the world.
And how he asks us to change the world.