Another chance

[You] have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him. —  Colossians 3:10

For almost 100 years, a huge piece of flawed Carrara marble lay in the courtyard of a cathedral 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 envisioned 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 students exclaimed to Michelangelo, “Master, it lacks only one thing — speech!”

Onesimus was like 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 commanded him as one “who once was unprofitable to you, but now is profitable to you and to 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 do. 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

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. De Haan

READ: Philemon 1:8-19

Our rough edges must be chipped away to bring out the image of Christ.

The Bible in one year:

• Job 40-42

• Proverbs 17:1-14