A Prayer About Formerly “Useless” People
Therefore, although in Christ I could be bold and order you to do what you ought to do, yet I appeal to you on the basis of love. I then, as Paul—an old man and now also a prisoner of Christ Jesus—I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, who became my son while I was in chains. Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me. Philemon 8-11
Dear Lord Jesus, what a great story these few verses tell—the story of how one man’s “useless” slave became another man’s beloved son. What a beautiful tale of redemption—one that stirs up a lot of important things in my heart.
First of all, I praise you for not giving up on me, Jesus—for coming after me when I was running away from you as fast as I could, just like Onesimus ran from Philemon. Overtly and covertly, I did everything I possibly could simply to ignore you, including hiding out in a façade of spirituality. But you found me… bound me to your heart through the cords of the gospel… and, slowly-but-surely, you’re changing me to be more like you.
Jesus, what words can adequately express my gratitude for the kindness you’ve shown me and continue to show me? You could’ve simply ordered me to obey you as the Lord that you are, but instead, you appealed to me as a Savior on the basis of love… the love of your cross.
Indeed, I bring you words of gratitude, praise and worship, but this story moves me to go further and fill those words with meaning, sincerity and beauty. Forgive me for labeling anyone as “useless.” Paul saw something in Onesimus that Philemon didn’t see. Jesus, you saw something in me that no one else saw. Please give me your eyes, gospel-eyes, to see what you see in others.
Jesus, who have I branded “useless”, either with my actual words or unspoken words? It’s simply not okay for me to straightjacket or write anyone off with labels like “stupid”… “worthless”… “you’ll-never-amount-to-anything”… “never-to-be-trusted-again.” I know you’re calling me to be wise, but I also know you’re calling me to love as you love me. I have no problem believing none of us is beyond the need for your grace, Jesus. Let me equally believe not of us is beyond the reach of your grace. So very Amen, I pray, in your chain-breaking name.
Scotty Smith
Pastor for Preaching, Teaching and Worship
Christ Community Church
1215 Hillsboro Rd.
Franklin, TN 37069
615-468-2230
It's good for our hearts to be strengthened by grace Hebrews 13:9