“As to all my affairs, Tychicus, our beloved brother and faithful servant and fellow bond-servant in the Lord, will bring you information. For I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know about our circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts; and with him Onesimus, our faithful and beloved brother, who is one of your number. They will inform you about the whole situation here” (Colossians 4:7-9).
Scripture is connected and the story of the Gospel is connected. The Epistle of Philemon is to Onesimus. If you think about all of the connections and the situations of each of these people as far as you know them, you begin to realize that they were fully human (messes and all) and were following the Lord with all they had. It is no different for us. We are to follow the Lord no matter what.
Lord, help me to see the finer points of Your word. Help me to see the reality of those whom You have called by faith and in grace. Help me to move beyond the elemental view of Scripture to receive a mature understanding of living the life of faith which You have given me. Guide me, O Lord, in the way of life that You have established. In and through all things, help me to be Yours fully and wholly.
Lord Jesus, You know all of Your followers better than any of us know ourselves. Lead me Lord so that I may now and always be guided by Your goodness and see that You are leading amidst the circumstances in which I find myself. Help me now and always to look to You and to be encouraged by the witness of the saints around me. In all things, may I follow Your example. Amen.
