Tuesday, 30th May 2023
Alex Buabeng-Korsah
TOPIC: ONESIMUS: IN SEARCH OF FREEDOM
THEME SCRIPTURE: “I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds: Which in time past was to you unprofitable, but now profitable to you and to me:” – Philemon 1:10-11
PREPARATORY QUESTIONS:
- Who was Onesimus?
- How did Onesimus, an unprofitable servant, become profitable?
Every one of us has ever had a dream of being free growing up. We have felt that life would be better if we are not under the control of our parents. Such that any opportunity to leave home is a huge one.
But life is more complex than just being free or being under control.
It is the same scenario in which Onesimus found himself. As a slave to Philemon (a Christian slave-master) in Colosse, he sought a way to be free. So he ran from his master. He arrived in Rome with his supposed “newfound freedom” and hopes of a better life. When Onesimus hit ‘rock bottom’, he learned that freedom is not merely about absconding from a mortal slave-master. Life is deemed free when the Son truly sets you free (John 8:36). He felt free, but only temporarily.
A life without meaning is not worth living. The burden of false freedom weighed on him.
Lloyd Ogilive writes of Olan Wheelis, a contemporary psychoanalyst and author of the book—On Not Knowing How To Live, and how he experimented with many ways of finding meaning and getting his life together. Olan confessed, “How to live? He who knows the question knows not the how. And he who knows not the question cannot even tell… All my life, what I have been searching for is God. That’s why I’ve never been able to enjoy anything.”
Precious One, until Christ finds a man, he begins at no beginning and works towards no end. He will only live for the mere sake of prolonging existence. Nothing more.
Finding Paul in Rome, Onesimus experienced the power of God in the gospel that sets men free (Rom 1:16). Finally, he found a reason to live. How long a way Onesimus had come in his quest for freedom. By how many roads?
Precious One, what our generation is looking for is Christ. What we need most in our time is God. It will take the gospel to set mankind free (Rom 1:16).
Who knows the question and also the answer? Who has the gospel and is also willing to share? Who is purposed to make a slave in search of true freedom truly free? Are you the one? Beloved, you also need the gospel daily to live a meaningful life in Christ, with Christ, and for Christ. Onesimus, who was determined to be his own master, instead found the true master, and he lived for Him. How precious are the gospel, and daily fellowship of the Word to you? Live for God, and you would have lived for that which is larger than life and superior to the universe. God bless you.
FURTHER READING – John 8:31-32
Call to Salvation: Today is your day if you have not received salvation by turning over your life to Jesus Christ. Click here to do so
QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU MEDITATE ON THE WORD:
- Are you also in search of freedom or you are free indeed?
- For what are you living your life daily?
CONFESSION
Precious Jesus, thank you for the liberty I have in you. I affirm that you are the Master of my life and the one who gives my life meaning. I confess that if I live, I live for you and if I die I die for you. I am ever yours, Lord. Hallelujah!
1-Year Bible Reading Plan
Joshua 16; Isaiah 22; Hebrews 1; Hebrews 2
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