GOING TO BAT

Today's reading: Philemon

Philemon was Paul's friend.

Paul writes the book of Philemon as a personal request from one friend to another. Paul had a huge favor to ask of Philemon.

One that might stretch the limits of their friendship.

One that might push the bar on Philemon's faith.

One that held the future of another man in the balance.

Paul was going to bat for Philemon's former slave, Onesimus.

Onesimus had done Philemon wrong. He had done him dirty in some way or another. Onesimus had crossed a line.

But then Onesimus met God.

He met his Savior while in prison with Paul.

And now Paul was writing this letter to Philemon asking for restoration between he and Onesimus.

Think about someone going to bat for you. Willing to stand up for the new and improved you. Someone who sees potential in your mess. Someone who evaluates and measure your value in terms not associated with your past. Someone who says, 'Awe, come on, give them another chance!'

That's what Paul did for Onesimus.

That's what Jesus does for us!

He constantly intercedes on our behalf to God. He says, 'I know what they have done--but they can do greater things!'

What a friend we have in Jesus!