Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while was that you might have him back forever— no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother. He is very dear to me but even dearer to you, both as a fellow man and as a brother in the Lord. Philemon 15-16 (EHV).
These verses are reasoned speculation, but they’re the crux of the whole book. “Maybe this is happening so that Jesus might increase.” “Perhaps this has happened because God ordained it.” “It could be that this took place so that you might see him in a different light, as Jesus does.”
Perhaps that’s why you’re here today.
Perhaps you’re who you are, where you are, as preparation for today, for what’s coming. Good and bad, things have happened in your life that led you to today, to right now. There are people in your life today, there are things you’re doing or will do, there are thoughts you have to share: perhaps what has happened in your life so far has been God preparing you for right this moment at hand.
What will you do with what God has given you?
Don’t be guilted by that. Don’t be scared of it. Don’t be shy or hesitant or insecure or angry about it. God has made you uniquely. There’s only one you; you are one of a kind, and you are very good because God made you to be just you. He made you to share. He made you to forgive.
Yesterday, in a Dallas courtroom, a young man whose brother had been senselessly murdered, forgave his brother’s murderer and shared the love of Jesus with her, openly, gracefully, publicly, completely. It was an extraordinary thing to behold, and a hopeful moment for our world. He, who didn’t have to, gave of himself the gift of Jesus to a woman, who didn’t deserve it, who will spend a long time in prison contemplating it.
Perhaps that young man’s biggest moment just happened. Perhaps God made him for such a time as that. Perhaps God ordered the events of their lives for the very purpose of sharing the good news of Jesus Christ in the way he did. Perhaps there are many more great things to come for the young Mr. Jean. Grace is a wonderful thing, perhaps the most powerful force in the universe.
Yes, this is all just reasoned speculation, but faith in Jesus is the foundation of all reason, and the love of Jesus makes all reason possible. We saw the beautiful thing Botham Jean’s family did with God’s grace. What will you do with it today?
For further reading: Genesis 1:31, Esther 4:14, 2 Corinthians 8:23, Philemon 17
Lord Jesus, You have ordained the days of my life for the work of Your Kingdom. Equip me today to share You with others in my life.
Practical Proverbs 