Philemon, Verses 17-20: Put That on my Account

 

Philemon, Verses 16-19: Put That on my Account 

Philemon is not one of Paul's instructional books on Godly living.  One might even wonder why it is included with his other letters.  Yet, every book in the Bible is important.  Even this seemingly irrelevant book taught me a valuable lesson. 

In verses 8-21, Paul speaks of his fellow believer Onesimus.  In verses 16-19, Paul mentions that Onesimus owes Philemon money.  Paul shows compassion for his friend and "brother" in Christ.  He says to place all of Onesimus' wrongs and financial obligations on his own account.  He is willing to take on His friend's debt.

May we all have such compassion and do what we can to "Bear... one another's burdens" (Galatians 6:2).

(Philemon, Verses 17-20) If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself. If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee ought, put that on mine account; I Paul have written it with mine own hand, I will repay it: albeit I do not say to thee how thou owest unto me even thine own self besides. Yea, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord: refresh my bowels in the Lord.

How much more so Jesus took on our debt of sin out of His amazing love for us!  He paid our price with His precious blood and death on the cross!  Because of this, those who repent of their sins and continue to live clean lives will be spared the punishment of hell.    

(Colossians 2:13-14) And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to His cross.

Around a year or so ago, I was listening to the song, "Sinner saved by Grace" sung by The Gaither Vocal Band.  I was praising God with my eyes closed.  When the words, "I'm just a sinner save by grace" were sung, I saw Jesus holding a large red, heart-shaped box that said "Grace" on it.  He was handing it to me and said, "Handle with care." Then they sang, "When I stood condemned to death, He took my place." I clearly saw myself with a crowd of people ready to arrest me for my sins, but Jesus was there and stood between me and the crowd with his nail-scared hand stretched out, protecting me.  He said, "Take me instead."  The tears streamed down my face, and I can still feel the emotions of that vision every time I hear that song.   

I drew a VERY rough sketch of what I saw because I never wanted to forget it:

This side of Heaven, I don't know if we will ever be able to fully grasp that Jesus took our place when He became sin on the cross. But we can always praise Him for His sacrifice.

May we never take Jesus' precious gifts of grace and salvation for granted and never abuse them (Romans 6:1-2 - What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?).  And may be show this same mercy and compassion to others as Jesus would want us to do.  

I don't remember which version of this song I was listening to when the Holy Spirit gave me the vision, but here is one version of the song.  I also love The Cathedrals' version, but since I was listening to the Gaither Vocal Band at the time, I thought I would share this one. "Now I GROW and breathe in freedom!"