...hallow be Your Name...

15 Perhaps the reason Onesimus was separated from you for a little while was that you might have him back forever— 16 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 fellow man and as a brother in the Lord.

17 So if you consider me a partner, welcome him as you would welcome me. 18 If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me. 19 I, Paul, am writing this with my own hand. I will pay it back—not to mention that you owe me your very self. 20 I do wish, brother, that I may have some benefit from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in Christ. 21 Confident of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I ask.

22 And one thing more: Prepare a guest room for me, because I hope to be restored to you in answer to your prayers.

23 Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends you greetings. 24 And so do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas and Luke, my fellow workers.

25 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit”

Philemon 1:15-25.

Paul is certain what Philemon must now do. And what Paul says to Philemon in verse 17 exactly what Philemon must do: “17 So if you consider me a partner, welcome him (Onesimus) as you would welcome me.” But it is the reason why Philemon must do this that is the key: “18 If Onesimus has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me. 19 I, Paul, am writing this with my own hand. I will pay it back—not to mention that you owe me your very self.”

Dear friends, what Paul is writing to Philemon in verses 17, 18, and 19 are words that describe exactly what Jesus did on the Cross for you and for me! Jesus paid back on the cross everything that you and I owe Almighty God! And rather than laying the blame of your sins — on you, God said, “I will pay back all the debt of your sins! Let me pay it back!”

This is the whole point of the Letter of Paul to Philemon!

May you be blessed for having heard these words!

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, have mercy win me a sinner.

Today’s Prayer

Oh Lord, who am I that You should forgive my sins!

And who am I that You should pay off all the penalties for my sins?

This is why I “Hallow Your Name”!

This is why “I bow down before You”!

For You alone are Holy! You alone are the Lord!

You alone are the Most High!

And for this reason do I come today — and pray in Your Name!

Amen!