And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain (Mathew 5:41)

Jews were once ruled by Roman Emperors. Rome's Kingdom was very strong. Many times the Jews rebelled against the Romans and ruined themselves. Unconditionally, Jews had to obey Romans.

God knew that the Romans put their hardships on Jewish community, but did not interfere with the Roman kingdom. Had the Jews diligently obeyed God’s commandments and were in the God's Kingdom, all slavery and hardships would have eluded them.

Jesus spoke in parable that if somebody compels you to go one mile, go two miles

If one should not murder as per the commandment of the old testament, Jesus said one  should not get even angry at all, which  indicated  travelling  two miles.

If one should not commit adultery as per the commandment of the old testament, Jesus said don’t even sin through the desire of your eyes, which indicated travelling two miles

Eye for an eye and tooth for a tooth, this is an old testament commandment.

Jesus said:  If any one harms you, don't harm him back. But repay evil with good deeds which is going two miles.

While we humble ourselves before authority or power, if we should learn to show humility to the poor and ordinary, then it is travelling two miles.

When we are cursed by someone, we normally curse him back. Matthew 5.44 says: Bless them that curse you. This is going two miles.

Let us see how Jesus lived as an example for the above parable:

1. He did many miracles
2. Obedient to His worldly parents
3. Fulfilled every wish of heavenly Father

d) In Mount Sinai He was transformed, and shone in full glory, but to fulfill His father's will,  He submitted himself to be  beaten up for our transgressions.  He was spat on, mocked at for our sins, to redeem us, the real sinners.

How GOD has enabled us to travel the extra mile in our lives?

1. Not only forgave our sins, HE put our sins into deep ocean.
2. Not only given just grace, HE has given us His abundant grace.
3. Not only filling us with Holy Spirit but enabled us to produce living water and make others to be blessed.

Let us examine ourselves:

1. Diligently doing routine household works, office and business place.

2. Look after our own family members well.

This is going one mile.

1. Are we punctual in attending church services?
2. Are we participating in all church activities in full spirit
3. Are we offering tithes to the satisfaction of our God?
4. Are we concerned about sick, the poor and the under privileged?

If we say Yes, then we have travelled two miles as Jesus commanded.

God's children should always be filled with Holy Spirit to achieve this.

Sis Anita Rajasekaran

God's love missions family