THE APPEAL. v.9 The ministry of reconciliation requires knowledge of the problem and the people involved. It also affects us because we are going "to receive the things done in (the) body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad." The "fear of the Lord" makes us realize how vital this ministry is and should be done in a reverential, unselfish way consistent with "the love of Christ" that constrains us and the new birth that makes it normal for us to engage in this ministry. Reconciliation takes time and occasionally, suffering of some kind, to bring it about.
Beseech. The paragraph in the middle of this letter is the heart of the letter, where Paul comes to grips with the task of bringing about restoration, restitution, and reconciliation. Skill and wisdom work well together when handling delicate issues. Our love and respect for God cannot be hidden, even though it comes from the heart. Reverence for God and love for Christ begin within us and are soon visible through facial expressions, tone of voice, and other forms of communication that reveal our respect for God, others, and our own self-respect.
We have reconciled ourselves to God, and because of that, we have now been given the ministry of reconciliation. Our experiences have qualified us to share this with others. We are now representatives of our sovereign Lord. This is no light matter, no trivial responsibility. We now speak to others in Christ's name, the highest possible authority, bringing the message of reconciliation to our generation.
Evidence of reconciliation appears when we realize, “God, reconciled us to Himself.” Instead of anger and embarrassment, there is gratitude. Instead of resentment toward God, there is genuine thanks. Instead of distance, there is a sense of nearness. Instead of fear of God, there is love for God. Instead of uselessness, there is a sense of purposefulness. Instead of opposing directions, there is holy fellowship.
Now that we have experienced reconciliation, we can become reconcilers. Now the walls begin to fall, the barriers are lifted, and hope is restored. Now the valleys have roads, and our Lord guides us through them. Now, instead of turned backs, we see the anxious faces of friends, family, and strangers, and share with them about reconciliation. As we gaze toward the future day of reckoning, the fear of the Lord inspires us to be reconcilers. The love of Christ compels us to commit to the ministry of reconciliation. The commission of Christ encourages us to persist even during times of discouragement. We understand that reconciliation yields positive results when people believe in our Lord Jesus Christ.
“For love’s sake,” Paul makes his appeal to Philemon. Love stronger than death has come through our Lord Jesus Christ, who conquered death by laying down His life in infinite love for us. His love for us led Him to die for us. Now, as the One who holds the keys of life and death that are His alone, He who laid down His life took it up again when He rose from among the dead forevermore. His love remains full and complete, and will never wane.
Love encompasses another aspect. Jealous love is not petty; it is honorable and righteous. When it claims someone as its own, it cannot tolerate a rival nor share itself with another person or thing. God’s affections for His people are unwavering, and He does not permit the world, the flesh, and the devil to share in those affections. His love burns like an unquenchable flame that can never be extinguished or overcome.
Love is permanent: who can deny that it leaves an indelible imprint on the hearts of those who have experienced its glory and pain? The seal remains, never to be removed, even though the object of love may be far away and, in some cases, gone, never to return.
Love is possessive: its strength is undeniable; its chains are unbreakable; its depth is unreachable; its heights are unsearchable. It is a powerful master because it reveals itself in ways that are uncontrollable. We cannot turn it off, and it cannot be stopped in its course.
Love is powerful: the heat of its passion both attracts and repels. Its flame provides warmth and comfort, yet it can burn with the intensity of death itself. This emotion cannot be switched off like a water faucet.
Love is persevering: it can be rejected, yet it remains. It can be overlooked, but it persists. It can be trampled, yet it rises up again. It can be overwhelmed by circumstances, but it cannot be extinguished.
Love is priceless: a king may possess a palace filled with valuable treasures, but he cannot purchase love. A dowry can be immensely large, including land, property, titles, and even a legacy, but it cannot be demanded.
The love of our God is permanent and will never be diminished. The Love of our God is possessive and never will be denied. The love of our God is powerful and will never be defeated. The Love of our God is persevering and will never be deterred. The Love of our God is priceless and will never be demanded.
The Aged. “Paul, the aged,” understood that the fundamental principle regarding the elderly is to give them the respect they deserve. When we do this, we fulfill our responsibility to them. This responsibility is also met when practical or material needs are addressed. Respecting and honoring older individuals allows us to benefit from their wisdom and experience, helping us avoid unnecessary pitfalls that could harm or tarnish our testimony for God. Reverence and respect for older people are not particularly popular in this day of “up with self” and “No fear.” This principle was taught in scripture and practiced by God's holy people as evidence of our reverence for Him.
In Leviticus 19, we learn that there should be reverence for parents among the families of God’s people because – “I am the Lord your God.” There should also be reverence for the Sabbaths among the gathering of God’s people because – “I am the Lord your God.” Reverence for the Lord’s name in all our conversations should be evident: "I am the Lord.” There ought to be reverence for the Word of God in public because – “I am the Lord,” and reverence for one’s body kept without markings because – “I am the Lord.” Reverence for the sanctuary where we meet with God and His people should be maintained because – “I am the Lord.” Finally, reverence for the aged, upon whose person is evidence of a life lived for God, should be observed because – “I am the Lord.”
Does this hoary head of mine, with hair as white as snow, wrinkles, and flaws, deserve even the slightest respect without demand? Does this face, which has witnessed so much over the years and which God, in grace, protects from His Son’s bright gleam, reflect His holiness?
O, may this mortal, graying head display the moral glories of my Lord and reflect His holy light within my spirit. May I, in life, in word, in attitude, and nature, be made anew and, with gratitude, show that Christ, through me, can fulfill His purposes in saving me in the first place. I don’t want to merely reflect on the passage of the years. I don’t just want to provide evidence that I have lived, with God’s help, a life that shared the Good News. What I most long for is that, in some way, my face might shine. Perhaps a little “candlelight” could be reflected from my face, prompting someone to wonder where that light comes from. I wonder if God could make this “hoary head” resemble the Lord Jesus, who came from heaven. I desire for God to let Christ live in me so that reflections of Him may be seen in this old head.
For some of us, many of life’s battles lie behind us. We can continue to serve God in our later years, drawing from the wisdom and experience we have gained. Age enhances our capacity for spiritual discernment, a form of knowledge that extends far beyond mere intellect. Additionally, age cultivates a deeper appreciation for the eternal life that God has bestowed upon us. Experiencing eternal life means living daily in fellowship with God through both the small and significant moments, which come with the insights of experience and age.
Spiritual truth becomes more tangible as we learn from experiencing the truths contained in the scriptures and applying them to life's situations. Spiritual desires resemble a thirst of the soul for God as we submit to the Lord, dedicate our lives and everything we claim for ourselves to Him, and receive each blessing by faith. Spiritual blessings are more easily recognized when we understand that not all blessings will bring us happiness in the moment; later, we comprehend the reasons behind the blessings of difficulties. We need not live poverty-stricken, defeated lives when we have learned through experience that "all things work together for good."
The Prisoner. There are opportunities to serve our Lord that arise from unusual circumstances and places. Hospitals, nursing homes, and prisons are some areas where such chances can be found. It may be just a sentence or two, or a conversation that lasts five or ten minutes, but much can happen when the Holy Spirit impresses a “word in season” on a person's mind, heart, and consciousness. Often, many brief conversations allow time to consider what is said before they listen to more.
One man, despite limitations, can still convey his vision. Through his zeal, others catch his vision, even though they cannot reach more than one to whom the ties of nature bind him. Others learn what to do and say as they watch and learn from one who has “been there, done that.” From one to another, the challenge arises to reach out and venture with vision and vitality. The faithfulness of tested and proven laborers inspires others to follow their example. Goodwill toward their generation prompts them to preach the Gospel, and their strong faith and assurance stir many hearts.
Love demonstrates its power when the Gospel is preached. Not just the words a preacher utters, but also the expressions on his face enhance the impact of his message, especially when delivered with holy grace. Body language and tone of voice are crucial for communicating meaning. A certain dignity and inherent poise reflect the speaker's character and concern, influencing how listeners respond to the Gospel. There exists a quality of life that magnifies Christ, regardless of our circumstances. A person with purpose and a desire to embody Christ discovers true meaning in life. We are prepared to live when we are prepared to die. Either can bring joy to situations that might otherwise evoke sadness. One thing we know about dying is that for a believer, what follows death is far better than life here.
However, we have opportunities now that we might not have in the future. We can live for God under adverse conditions, among those who oppose God and His truth, representing Him and His righteousness. We won't have that after we die. Another reason to live now is that we can help believers if we choose to. When Paul was in prison, he prayed for the Lord's people to whom he had preached the Gospel. He wrote letters to assemblies and fellow laborers to provide instruction and encouragement. Time can be used effectively or wasted depending on whether we adopt an attitude of bitterness or blessing.