Running With Chains On

 

I re-read a story recently, about a lesser known, quite obscure character called Onesimus, who appears in the book of Philemon and Colossians. He was a runaway slave, and his story is thus: get comfy and enjoy!

Onesimus robbed his master and then fled to Rome, hoping to be lost in the crowded city. But his life took a dramatic turn when he encountered the Apostle Paul. In the providence of God, he met Paul and accepted Christ as his Savior. (It’s important to remember the context of the brutal Roman Empire at the time, where slavery was built into culture and law.)

Under Paul’s guidance and through the power of the Gospel, Onesimus experiences a spiritual awakening. The once wayward slave becomes a devoted follower of Christ. The chains of bondage that once shackled his body are replaced by the freedom found in Christ — a freedom that transcends earthly circumstances and societal labels.

While in Rome, Onesimus grew in his faith. The Apostle Paul taught him from the Scriptures, and Onesimus ministered to Paul in his imprisonment. As time passed, Paul knew that if Onesimus was to continue to mature in his faith, he needed to seek forgiveness from those he had wronged. Amid the flickering candlelight of his prison cell, Paul crafts a profound plea for forgiveness and reconciliation.

“Onesimus, whom I have begotten while in my chains, who once was unprofitable to you, but now is profitable to you and to me. I am sending him back. You therefore receive him, that is, my own heart, whom I wished to keep with me, that on your behalf he might minister to me in my chains for the gospel” (Philemon 10-13).

Ref: https://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-study/topical-studies/onesimus-a-lesser-known-story-with-a-lasting-impact.html

And the rest, is history. I’m sure that Philemon would have struggled with anger, frustration and bitterness. Under this system he would have been expected to punish, even execute his slave. But this slave was a changed man. He had received a freedom which physical chains could not rival. Under Paul’s guidance, he returned to his master and there is every suggestion in scripture that he was forgiven.

The Lord impressed upon me the powerful image of trying to run away from our troubles and things we’ve done wrong, whilst still bearing chains. We believe that if we immerse ourselves in various activities and pleasures to occupy our minds, we will receive relief from our suffering-whatever that may be - and the guilt and shame of our wrongdoings - sin. My sister, my brother, have you noticed a pattern? Your attempts to blot out whatever you are running from proves futile - your problem is still there, causing pain and bitterness. 

Please stop running.

Let go. 

You’ve tried it your way for long enough. There is One who is waiting to receive all of those troubles, if you let Him. And if you don’t know him, He will receive you lovingly into His arms, unlike the brutal regime of the Roman Empire. Troubles won’t  necessarily just disappear.  But now you’re not facing it alone - you have Someone who is far more able to carry them than you are. 

So stop, right where you are now, and determine that you will break the vicious cycle. Whisper this prayer:

God, I acknowledge that you love me and want to come into my situation/ life. I’m giving it to you now. I’ve been running in chains and it’s got me nowhere. Please forgive me Lord. Thank you that now I have your strength, these chains are falling off. Chains of loss, bitterness, emptiness, loneliness, financial struggles, family struggles, marital challenges, health challenges, hidden sexual desires, identity confusion - I’m looking forward to placing all of this into your hands, knowing that you are not condemning me. (Romans 8:1). I’m looking forward to doing life with you, in your strength and not my own anymore.

Amen.

Be patient my friend, it won’t change overnight, but if you’ve prayed this prayer sincerely, change is already beginning to happen. Be consistent, and it will manifest.  

God bless you!!

Peacebrown.