2 Chronicles 15-16; 1 Kings 16; Philemon
While the northern kingdom of Israel experiences constant turmoil and a rapid succession of kings, the kingdom of Judah enjoys stability. This is due to King Asa's devotion to God. After listening to the prophet Azariah, Asa purged the land of pagan gods and renewed the covenant with the Lord. This brought success to the nation for 35 years (2 Chronicles 15:19). However, in the 36th year, God tested Asa's faith by raising Baasha, the king of Israel, against him. Unfortunately, Asa, who had faithfully served God early in his life, turns to the king of Syria for help, giving him silver and gold from the temple to secure his protection.
This is a danger that threatens many believers. Being faithful in one area or even in many areas, we may experience prosperous times and lose the sharp sense of our dependence on God, beginning to rely on someone or something else. This is why the words of the prophet Hanani to Asa are important today: "For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. You have done a foolish thing, and from now on, you will be at war" (2 Chronicles 16:9).
Philemon
The letter to Philemon presents an interesting story of relationships within the church of Jesus Christ in the first century. A few valuable observations from it:
- Paul calls Onesimus, the runaway slave, his spiritual son, emphasizing that he "became my son while I was in chains." This highlights Paul's deep spiritual relationships, even with seemingly insignificant people, participating in their salvation and spiritual growth.
- Paul does not speak against slavery. Instead of fighting to restructure the social system, he fights for the souls of Onesimus and Philemon. Sending Onesimus back to his master, he sends him as a Christian to a Christian: "Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me. I am sending him—who is my very heart—back to you" (Philemon 1:11-12). "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" (Philemon 1:16).
- Paul is willing to take on all the costs that Onesimus caused Philemon (Philemon 1:18-19).
- Though Paul has the authority to command Philemon, he repeatedly appeals to him out of love for leniency towards Onesimus (Philemon 1:9).
These passages remind us of the importance of devotion to God, reliance on Him in times of trouble, and the deep, loving relationships that should characterize the body of Christ.
This is a danger that threatens many believers. Being faithful in one area or even in many areas, we may experience prosperous times and lose the sharp sense of our dependence on God, beginning to rely on someone or something else. This is why the words of the prophet Hanani to Asa are important today: "For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. You have done a foolish thing, and from now on, you will be at war" (2 Chronicles 16:9).
Philemon
The letter to Philemon presents an interesting story of relationships within the church of Jesus Christ in the first century. A few valuable observations from it:
- Paul calls Onesimus, the runaway slave, his spiritual son, emphasizing that he "became my son while I was in chains." This highlights Paul's deep spiritual relationships, even with seemingly insignificant people, participating in their salvation and spiritual growth.
- Paul does not speak against slavery. Instead of fighting to restructure the social system, he fights for the souls of Onesimus and Philemon. Sending Onesimus back to his master, he sends him as a Christian to a Christian: "Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me. I am sending him—who is my very heart—back to you" (Philemon 1:11-12). "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" (Philemon 1:16).
- Paul is willing to take on all the costs that Onesimus caused Philemon (Philemon 1:18-19).
- Though Paul has the authority to command Philemon, he repeatedly appeals to him out of love for leniency towards Onesimus (Philemon 1:9).
These passages remind us of the importance of devotion to God, reliance on Him in times of trouble, and the deep, loving relationships that should characterize the body of Christ.
Posted in Reading Bible Together