Charge It To Me

November 15 Charge It to Me
But if he has wronged you or owes anything, put that on my account. —Philemon 18
The book of Philemon is actually a letter Paul wrote to intercede on behalf of Onesimus, a runaway slave. Evidently, when he left, Onesimus stole some money from Philemon who lived in Colossi. Using the money, he made his way to Rome—no doubt hoping to be lost in the crowd. But Onesimus was arrested and placed into prison, where he met Paul the apostle. Paul began to witness to him of the saving grace of Jesus Christ, and Onesimus was born again. In time, Paul discovered he was a runaway slave. Paul knew his master Philemon because he had led him to the Lord as well. So Paul wrote this letter to Philemon asking that he receive Onesimus as he would receive Paul himself. He appealed to Philemon to set his slave free, so Onesimus could come back and serve with him in the work of the gospel.
**Our debt has been paid in full by Jesus Christ.
Paul wrote, “If he owes you anything, charge it to me.” Paul is willing to pay Onesimus’ debt, which is exactly what Jesus Christ has done for us. He paid the debt that we owed. We were all like Onesimus, running from our Master. We were runaway slaves, owing a debt we couldn’t pay. But just like Onesimus, we too have an Advocate, a Mediator, an Intercessor. We have the Lord Jesus Christ, who intercedes on our behalf. “And the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all” (Isaiah 53: 6). The debt has been paid in full. We owe nothing now—except our life and our gratitude.
Lord, how thankful we are that You have paid our debt in full! In Jesus’ name, amen.