Good Shepherd Lutheran Church(elca)

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Courageous Act in Love

Pastor: 
Pr. Tom Schoenherr
“Courageous Act in Love”
September 4-5, 2010
Pr. Tom Schoenherr
      It is significant that we have Philemon as the text for this Labor Day weekend. One of the greatest difficulties we have as a church is to see the significance of the relationship of worship to what happens in our lives, Monday through Friday. Philemon is being asked to consider that being a Christian and following Jesus Christ makes a significant change in his life, especially now in his relationship with Onesimus. What difference does following Christ make in our work and life through the week, and in our relationships with other people? Our work, our jobs, our daily lives matter to God, and God’s love for us in Jesus Christ is at the center of our work and our relationships.
      James T. Dennison, Jr. shared some insights that were helpful to me in understanding this letter. Observe that the first 3 verses include the names of 5 people: Paul, Timothy, Philemon, Apphia and Archippus, and the phrase, “Grace to you and peace from God our father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” The closing 3 verses, not printed in the bulletin have the names of 5 people: Epaphras, Mark, Aristarchus, Demas and Luke and the phrase, “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.” Each of those named in the greeting and the closing are members of the church, and between these bookends, something very significant is happening in the life of the church in the world.
      The story or body of the letter begins actually before the letter is written, for in vs. 19 we hear that Philemon owes his conversion to the Christian faith to Paul and the Holy Spirit. Scene 2 is in the prison in Rome where Paul is in chains because he proclaims the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Onesimus, whose name means “useful” is there too, because he had run away from Philemon- perhaps after stealing something, and Paul has proclaimed the Good News to him and he is now a Christian through the power of the Holy Spirit. So both Philemon and Onesimus, master and slave, are followers of Jesus Christ.
      Paul is writing this letter to Philemon, to be carried and delivered by Onesimus, encouraging Philemon to receive Onesimus as a brother in Christ, instead of just a slave. Philemon, in that Graeco-Roman society, had the right to punish and even kill Onesimus for running away. In order to receive Onesimus as a brother in Christ, Philemon would be giving up a great amount of power and authority. His relationship with Paul and with Christ is seeking to totally change his life.
      Notice the number of times in the letter where relationship words are used. The terms “brother” and “beloved”, “my very own heart”, “father”, reflect a very personal relationship that Paul has with all of these people, especially Onesimus, whom Paul calls his “child”, and Philemon. But what is happening here is even deeper in terms of Paul seeking reconciliation between master and slave. In Verses 15 and 16 we read, “…so that you might have him back forever, no longer as a slave but more than a slave, a beloved brother—especially to me but much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.” The letter is not about freeing the slaves, but it speaks of the heart of our relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ. We don’t know the rest of the story. Did Philemon receive Onesimus warmly? Did he welcome Onesimus as a brother in Christ after reading the letter? How did Onesimus feel as he walks up to deliver the letter to Philemon?
      In verse 18, Paul says “If he has wronged you in any way, or owes you anything, charge that to my account.” Christ has paid the debt of Paul’s sin and yours and mine also. We, who are enslaved by sin and death, have been set free from bondage to sin and death through faith in Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is the one “who came not to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.” With Paul, Onesimus, Philemon and the rest of those mentioned in the letter, we are no longer enslaved to evil powers, but we are brothers and sisters of Christ, heirs of the promise of God’s grace.
      The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ breaks into our lives and changes everything for us. We can see our work in light of God calling us to use our gifts for the blessing and care of others. Our relationships can be seen in light of the grace and mercy that God has shown to us in making us his sisters and brothers. We no longer have to hold grudges over past wrongs, or wield the power and authority we may have. We are free to see our brothers and sisters as gifts of God to us through faith in Jesus Christ. Philemon is no longer in bondage as a “master”, and Onesimus is no longer in bondage as a “slave”, but each can serve in their roles as master and slave as brothers in Jesus Christ.
      Now we as God’s people living in the grace and peace of Christ  are free to seek reconciliation and peace with all of our brothers and sisters, sharing the healing gift of God’s forgiveness and love. The barriers are broken down and we are all one in Christ. Now we can also be open to asking how the church is doing in our homes, as the church that met in Philemon’s home. Are we receiving the letters that God is sending to us in God’s Word and are we sharing the grace and peace of Christ with one another? We can see Christ at the center of all that we do, not only in worship but also throughout the whole week.  We also are free to see that slavery of any kind does not continue to enslave any people, but we can lift up all people and help all to see that we are brothers and sisters in Christ, sent to love the world that Christ came to love. Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.