Living in the Spirit

September 1, 2022

Scripture Reading: Philemon 1:1-21

When I remember you in my prayers, I always thank my God because I hear of your love for all the saints and your faith towards the Lord Jesus. I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective when you perceive all the good that we may do for Christ. I have indeed received much joy and encouragement from your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, my brother.

For this reason, though I am bold enough in Christ to command you to do your duty, yet I would rather appeal to you on the basis of love—and I, Paul, do this as an old man, and now also as a prisoner of Christ Jesus. I am appealing to you for my child, Onesimus, whose father I have become during my imprisonment. Formerly he was useless to you, but now he is indeed useful both to you and to me. I am sending him, that is, my own heart, back to you. I wanted to keep him with me, so that he might be of service to me in your place during my imprisonment for the gospel; but I preferred to do nothing without your consent, in order that your good deed might be voluntary and not something forced. Perhaps this is the reason he was separated from you for a while, so that you might have him back forever, no longer as a slave but as more than a slave, a beloved brother—especially to me but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord. –Philemon 1:1-16

Oklahoma did not execute anyone between January 16, 2015, when executions were stopped because of concerns about the method used. In 2021, a new Governor and Attorney General returned to executions, in their minds correcting a miscarriage of justice. Yes, we are still using the same method. Since October 28, 2021, four men have been executed, and 25 additional people are scheduled for execution by January 12, 2023.

The story in the above scripture addresses the return of a runaway slave who had stolen from his master. In his journey, he encountered the Apostle Paul, who introduced him to Jesus Christ.  Apparently, Onesimus converted to following in the ways of Jesus, and Paul convinced him he needed to return to his owner and make amends for his crimes, which he did. The word “Onesimus” is Greek for the English word “useful.” Not only did Onesimus return, but Philemon was instructed to welcome him as a beloved brother rather than a slave as he returned more useful than when he left.

I recently heard the story of one of the men on death row in Oklahoma who was guilty of killing a man and has served 18 years on death row since his conviction.  Apparently, this man also had a conversion experience and now dedicates his life to welcoming and caring for new prisoners as they arrive, being useful to their wellbeing. His love and concern for them may be the balm they need to return to society as a useful citizen.

Prayer: Lord, forgive us for not practicing restorative justice as modeled by a prisoner himself. Amen.

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.