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For alost 100 years, a huge peice of flawed Carrar marble lay in the courtyard of a catherdral in Florence, Italy. Then, in 1501, a young sculptor was asked to do something with it. He measured the block and noted its imperfections. In his mind, he invisioned a young shepherd boy.
For 3 years, he chiseled and shaped the marble skillfully. Finally, when the 18 foot towering figure of David was unveiled, his student exclaimed to Michelangelo, "Master, it lacks only one thing--speech!"
Onesimus was liked that flawed marble. He was an unfaithful servant. When he fled from his master Philemon. But while on the run he came to know the Master Sculptor. As a changed man, he served God faithfully and was invaluable to Paul's ministry. When Paul sent him back to Philemon, he commended him as one "who once was a unprofitable to you, but now is profitable to you and me"(1:11). He asked Philemon to receive Onesimus back as a brother(v.16).
Paul knew what it meant to be given another chance after past wrongs (Acts 9:26-28). He knew personally, the transformation God can accomplish. Now he saw it in the life of Onesimus. The Lord can chisel His image on our flawed lives and make us beautiful and useful too.
--Albert Lee
Note: Christ takes each sin, each pain, each loss, And by the power of His cross Transforms our brokenness and shame, So that our lives exalt His name. --D. DeHaan
