Day 299: Gentle Friendship

Philemon; Jeremiah 19-20; Psalm 128

This letter to Philemon seems very personal, like Paul and him were very close. Paul emphasizes that though he is telling Philemon what he should do, Paul doesn't want him to do it because he's been asked, but out of the love and goodness in his heart. Because he knows it is the right thing. Paul, though in jail, removes any obstacles for Philemon's kindness, and though he is telling him something he doesn't want to hear, Paul does it in a way that is gentle and respectful. What a wonderful example of friendship and love.

Jeremiah struggles. He hurts because of the burden he carries for God. He has to deliver messages of destruction, pain, and death and he receives all kinds of insults and threats because of it. This chapter reveals that he is human, that he doesn't like not being liked. That despite the power of God within him, he still experiences weakness. And yet, despite God's calling on his life, he says, "But you, Lord, are a mighty soldier, standing at my side. Those troublemakers wil fall down and fall--terribly embarrassed, forever ashamed." He trusts God to stand by his side and that his enemies will not overcome him. He praises God despite the dire circumstances. This reminds me of Paul, and how in prison he would still be praising God. That's a powerful concept.

This psalm talks about blessings from God if we respect him and obey his laws. We don't live under the Old Testament laws anymore, but our obedience to God is just as important. I think we need to read this psalm carefully, however, because it talks about blessings of prosperity. I think this might be the case too, but to say that by simply respecting God our lives will be filled with good things and money is dangerous. Maybe blessings will come in the form of peace and hope. However, God chooses to bless us in this life, it does not compare to what awaits us in heaven with him.