Philemon vs. 19-25 19I, Paul, am writing this with my own hand. I will pay it back—not to mention that you owe me your very self. 20I do wish, brother, that I may have some benefit from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in Christ. 21Confident of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I ask. 22And one thing more: Prepare a guest room for me, because I hope to be restored to you in answer to your prayers. 23Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends you greetings. 24And so do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas and Luke, my fellow workers. 25The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.
Isn’t it wonderful to anticipate the visit from friends or family? As soon as we receive word of their soon-coming visit, we busy ourselves cooking and cleaning to make sure everything is “just right.” Years ago when I used to visit my grandmother and great aunt in Dowling Park, there would always be a strawberry-rhubarb pie waiting for me. I treasured those visits, and not just for the pie!
In today’s passage, Paul sends word to anticipate his visit. This reminds me of another great word: ADVENT. Indeed, the greatest anticipation for the Christian will be the second advent of Christ, when he returns to claim his faithful as his own. It is for this event we daily prepare our lives through prayer, word, and deed.
Gracious Heavenly Father, our LORD God Almighty,
Forgive us where we fail you, and forgive us when we allow our anticipation of Christ’s second Advent to dwindle and fade into the background of our busy lives. Rekindle the eager anticipation in us for the soon-coming return of your Son. In preparation, may all that we think, say, and do be what honors you.
In the Name of Jesus Christ, our LORD and Savior, Amen.
The devotion A Good Word was originally written for Sunday, May 23, 2010; for Maranatha Devotional Guide, an Advent Christian Publication https://acgc.us As the original author of this devotion, I reserve the right to update and share it on my current devotional blog Write From My Heart at https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com
Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com
Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®, Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
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