Sunday 28th September
Read Philemon 1:20-25
“I do wish, brother, that I may have some benefit from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in Christ. 21 Confident of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I ask.
22 And one thing more: prepare a guest room for me, because I hope to be restored to you in answer to your prayers.
23 Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends you greetings. 24 And so do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas and Luke, my fellow workers.
25 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.” (NIVUK)
During Passover there is always an empty chair at the table. This chair signifies an expectant hope that Elijah the prophet will return to announce the coming of the Messiah. Just as the empty chair at Passover reminds us of a coming hope, Paul’s request for a bed points to hope in God’s answered prayers, and the return to the church. Paul knew that God answers prayers and was ready for God to answer the church’s prayers here. Whether or not he made it back to see them before he was imprisoned again is unknown, however we know that we also have this expectant hope. Not only that God does answer prayers, but also of our expectant hope of Christ’s return and our life beyond this world. Let today be a reminder to not give up on asking God for the things you need.
Peter Clark
