JESUS SPEAKING
“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also. And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two. Give to everyone who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away” (Mathew 5: verse 38 – 42.)
INSPIRED THOUGHTS
In the first century A.D. the Roman army occupied the Holy Land. As conquerors they were afforded certain privileges. One legal provision gave every Roman soldier the right to compel any Jewish citizen to carry their equipment for up too, but not in excess of, one mile. Jesus used this commonly understood law to impress upon His followers the importance of serving others in abundance. When a soldier asked them to carry a load one mile, they were instructed to carry it two miles. Simply put, accomplishing the bare minimum proves nothing; instead, the true love of God is made manifest when we exceed the demands, requests, and expectations of others.
Several years ago, a very influential Pastor named Chuck Smith went to be with the Lord. He was 86 years old, and had been battling cancer for some time. When initially diagnosed, he began a regimen of radiation and chemotherapy. These treatments coupled with his age, made him unsteady on his feet. I was asked to accompany him to and from his daily radio program to prevent him from falling. Once the program had ended, we would get in to his golf cart and head back to the church office. On the way he would drive around the campus picking up garbage; he would also stop to talk to anyone in need. One day a woman approached him in tears. She explained that her marriage was suffering and that she had left messages with another pastor concerning counseling; however he had never returned her calls. Pastor Chuck lovingly encouraged and comforted the woman; he then told her to speak to his secretary about setting up a counseling appointment with him later that week. I was amazed that a man in his 80’s with lung cancer, undergoing radiation and chemotherapy was still out-serving many youthful, strong, and seemingly healthy on staff pastors.
Like Pastor Chuck, Jesus has called all of his children to go the second mile; we must love others in abundance; we must give to one another more than is needed or required; we must serve our fellows with great intensity, sincerity, and passion. Through our actions, others can and will come to know the mercy and love of God. If we are obedient and continue to give glory and honor to the Lord, we will come to know the blessings of unending joy and everlasting peace.
“Lord Heavenly Father, may we go the second mile. May we serve and love others in abundance. Use us to reveal Your love to the world. Increase our faith and fill us with Your Holy Spirit, that we might accomplish Your will in this place, and bring honor to Your sacred name. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things in Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.” God bless all of you.
Jesus Speaks 