Welcoming

"I write to you knowing you will do even more than I ask," Philemon 1:21.

Who's writing? Old man Paul. What's he confident about? That Philemon will obey even more than what Paul's asking him. Why is he confident? Because Philemon's a fellow worker with Paul - a local gathering of God's kingdom meets in his house. Because Philemon loves the Lord Jesus. Because his faith anchors in Christ. Because he loves the Lord's people. Because he shares his living faith. Because he has refreshed God's people. OK. So what's Paul asking him to do? To receive a useless, runaway slave back as a brother in Christ. Yes, to welcome that slave hospitably as though he were welcoming Paul himself. To obey the Lord. Sky kingdom.

We visit with a brother or sister today, obedient to our Lord in whatever he asks. And, together, we give thanks that he changes us continually from glory to glory.