Jump Start # 3646
Philemon 21 Having confidence in your obedience, I write to you, since I know that you will do even more than what I say.
It came from a contemporary hymn that I was not familiar with. The words were used in an opening prayer recently. “I may not sing like David; preach like Peter; or pray like Paul,” but there is a balm in Gilead. What a great line. David, the sweet singer of Israel. Peter, the fiery preacher at Pentecost. Paul, the one who prayed as if he stood in the very presence of God.
Here are some thoughts about that:
First, I expect, David, Peter and Paul would tell us not to be like them. They’d point to the Savior. Be like the Son of God. People may not remember your singing, your preaching or even your prayer, but what they will remember is a heart that loved the Lord.
Second, bringing our best is always the best. Don’t try to be like others. You can’t. We are each one of a kind and our backgrounds, histories and journeys have shaped us to be where we are. The more we compare, the more we fail miserably. Just bring your best. Just do your best. Work on what you do well. Improve. Grow. Learn from others. Ask questions.
Third, the kingdom had room for both Peter and Paul. And, the kingdom has room for you. It wasn’t that all was to be like Peter. Nor were all to be like Paul. Peter brought passion, energy and boldness to his preaching. Paul brought a deep connection to the O.T. and glorification of the God who sent Jesus. Which was more important? Both were. Which is more needed? Both are.
Our verse today, written to the slave owner Philemon brings two powerful suggestions before us.
First, Paul was confident that Philemon would obey. Not everyone has such confidence in others. In fact, with many, it’s just the opposite. Paul had a history with Philemon. He knew him. He knew that he would take the steps outlined in the letter to him. Paul just knew he would.
Second, Paul also knew that Philemon would go above and beyond what the letter was requiring and asking. Paul knew that Philemon would do even more. He didn’t have the heart to just get by. His kind wasn’t the one that looked for the least that had to be done. He’d do more. He was just that type of person. He had that kind of heart.
And, when others know that about us, what a beautiful scene the church becomes. Folks going out of their way, because they want to. People doing above and beyond what is expected or asked of them. The good Samaritan is such a picture. He not only stopped and helped the wounded man on the road, he took him into the city, paid for lodging and stayed with him through the night. But, he still wasn’t done. He had to leave, but if there were any more expenses, he’d cover them on his way back. Why? It wasn’t his responsibility. It wasn’t his problem. It wasn’t necessary to do that. Driven by compassion, as the text tells us, he did more than was expected.
Now, how about us? Do we do just what we are supposed to and no more? Could God say of us, “I know that he will do even more than what I say?” Extraordinary Christians doing extraordinary tasks. Going out of the way to help. Going out of the way to encourage. Going the second mile with compassion.
No, we may not sing like David, preach like Peter or pray like Paul, but, one thing for sure, you can count on us to do more than what is asked. Making Sunday the best day of the week. Leaving the place better than you found it. Coming early and staying late. Making sure all the details are tied up and ready to go. Singing the best we can. Preaching the best we can. Praying the best we can.
We do all those things because God is the best. He deserves our best. He gave His best. And, nothing but the best, our best, will please us.
Roger