Prisoner of Christ
Philemon 1
When Paul refers to himself as the Prisoner of Christ he doubtless means not only that he is in prison for Christ's sake, but that day by day in every circumstance Christ has him in thrall. Mark carefully that he does not say "prisoner of the Romans." They made the arrest, and the Jews brought the charges; but both groups, together with the jailer, were only small-part actors in the drama. Paul's real life was in the hands of Christ.
Is not every man a prisoner, the captive of some fealty? A scholar such as Browning's "Grammarian" is instance of a man in noble bondage, and a miser or a libertine represents the host of men ignobly bound. Perhaps we are free only to choose our fealty. The man who always does "as i like" is plainly slave to his likes. There is no absolute freedom, for nobody can cheat death or pluck a star from the sky. Freedom is the fulfillment of our nature; and if our nature is made for homage, liberty comes only as a man is in bondage to his true Lord. Thus the question of freedom --that elusive ideal for which thousands die age on age --cannot find answer until a prior question is answered, "What is man's true nature? (See John 8:36) If a man is made for God revealed in Christ, as Christian faith avows, the first words of this letter describe the service that is "perfect freedom." Freedom is obedience to the will of God--surrender to him whose grace brings true fulfillment of our nature. Samuel Rutherford headed his letters from prison, "Christ's Palace, Aberdeen," and declared that every stone in the wall shone like a ruby.
Questions to Ponder
In whose hands are you?
Do you believe that true freedom is obedience to the will of God --surrender to him whose grace brings the fulfillment of our nature?
Do you want to shine like a ruby?
In His Service,
Terry Phillips
