Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends you greetings. And so do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas and Luke, my fellow workers.
Philemon 1:23-24 (NIV)
Lord Jesus, as I read these verses this morning, Mark’s name jumped out at me. What gripped my heart was the fact that this same John Mark who left Paul and Barnabas, being home sick (Acts 13:5), who Paul refused to have him minister with him any more, so much so that he was willing to no longer minister with Barnabas (Acts 15:37-39), was now back with Paul, ministering to him, while he was imprisoned. And my mind is blown by the fact that Paul is petitioning Philemon on behalf of Onesimus, the slave of Philemon who ran away and most likely did something to wrong Philemon. And Paul is attempting to restore the relationship to a better place than it was when they parted, even as his and John Mark’s relationship had been! My heart is reminded how You, in Your grace can restore broken and fractured relationships! Hallelujah!
Lord, I am so overwhelmed with gratitude and hope by this small reminder. You know how I have on many occasions violated the relationships You have honored me with. I have not been the best spouse, friend, co-worker, parent, relative – the list goes on and on. I have not always been faithful. I have not always been dependable. I have not always been selfless and giving. I have not always been there. Yet, by and through Your grace shown to those I have been in connection with You have compelled them in love to extend that selfsame grace to me. And through it and because of it my relationships have been mended, held together by the love You have for us. And because of You and them my life is better.
Thank You, Master, for Your forgiveness shown to me made manifested in them. Thank You for being the Restorer of broken relationships. Thank You for setting me on the right path, showing me the error of my ways, and not allowing me to continue down that alleyway. But most of all, thank You for manifesting Your grace and mercy towards me through the lives of others. Whether I am the Paul who was hurt or the John Mark who went my own way, You have been the One tearing down the walls of separation and reminding me of what is most important in life. And my life is not only better because of You, but also because You are manifesting Your love through them towards me. Thank You, Lord, for Your amazing grace. Amen.