Going the Second Mile
It doesn’t mean much to us, but to the crowd Christ was speaking to, it was radical, revolutionary, even ridiculous.
“And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain” (Matthew 5:41).
The Jews lived under constant Roman oppression. One demand by a Roman soldier or citizen would require a Jewish person to carry their burden for a mile. It was an inconvenient and unjust law.
Israel lived in anticipation of the coming of the Messiah. One who would deliver them from such tyranny! Now, here He stood…telling them they should carry their Roman neighbors’ pack for a second mile?!?
Surely this could not be what He meant. But it was.
In this one verse lies the secret to true joy.
As a runner, I can tell you that the first mile is the hardest. Physically and mentally, I don’t get my second wind and find my stride until the second mile. This is also true in the spiritual realm.
The first mile is law, but the second mile is love. Real liberty is found beyond the law. It is here that supernatural grace is given.
Go the extra mile in your relationships and responsibilities. You will not find much traffic on the second mile, but you will see Jesus there. He is a second-mile Savior, and He wants His followers to join Him there…
How can you go the extra mile today?
Resources:
Listen to a recent Bible message on The Second Mile.
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You have no idea how much I needed this. Praise the Lord!
The reminder is always good! –and helpful! The first step of the second mile is the first step of freedom!