The Extra Mile… (Matthew 5:21-48) 220408
This is a long passage. Some scholars say that Jesus is redefining the Ten Commandment here. In literally sense, this passage can be divided into 5 sections with an OT commandment or saying as a marker (v21; v27; v33; v38 and v43). These are what we normally call them antithesis. I do not consider the divorce clause in verses 31-32 as an antithesis, as I think it should be part of the adultery antithesis which Jesus is teaching about proper man and woman relationship.
As I read through this passage, Jesus speaks to me about the importance of relationships. Firstly, the relationship between man and man (woman and woman also included here) in verses 21-26. Secondly, He talks about proper relationship of man and woman in verses 27-30 and particularly mentions divorce as undesirable of violating such relationship (vv32-33). Then thirdly, He goes on to deal with the integrity of a man’s relationship with God (vv33-37). Fourthly, He radically speaks of the relationship of a man and his enemies (vv38-42). He concludes with a universal love for all humanity, include our enemies (vv43-47). But the ultimate relationship is one to be in perfect harmony with self, world and God (v48).
How is you relationship with your close one? Every time I read this passage, I cant help but to look at verse 41: And whoever shall force you to go one mile, go with him two. This is what I call the "extra mile" verse. Allow me to indulge in reflecting on this verse.
I used to think that a good Christian has to be pushed around by others because I have to a nice person. I cannot pay an eye for an eye or a tooth for a tooth (v38). I am a very compliance in nature, I do not like to be in conflict with others, not because I am so nice, it is because I simply do know how to handle it, and hence I always avoid. My avoidance has actually cause more issues and unhappiness within me, because there will be more and more unresolved conflicts storing up within me. This is absolutely bad for my spiritual health.
Whenever people ask me to do them a favor, even though it is very out of my way, because I want to be seen as a good Christian, I always go the extra mile for them, at my own expense. I have been suppressing my own interest just to fulfill the interest of others. I have been "exploited" by this notion and have not been doing what God wants me to do. As I go an extra mile for others, I am another mile further away from God’s plan for my life. I am not evoking that I am now so heartless and will not help anyone who comes along and needs help. But now, I will try to do so within my boundary and not to leave God’s area of influence for me.
As I reflect, I know that I have been operating without God in my attempt to be a good and nice Christian by going the extra mile for others. I know that if I am doing what God has not intended for me to do, He is not in the picture, and I will have to use my human resources to do so. This will mean that I am operating out of God’s approval arena, and my work and ministry is Abel-centered rather than God-centered.
But I am thankful that God has shaken me up and bring me all the way into a wilderness for miles of spiritual renewal journey. Now I realize that I have to walk the way God wants me to walk and every miles count! As I reflect on how this have affect the way I handle relationships, I learn to commit them to God.
I learn to build my relationship on the basis of God. In other words, I will spend time with people only when God has instructed me and impressed upon me the need of doing so. I know that some brothers and sisters in my small group are going through difficult times. I am praying for them, but God has only led me spend a bit more time with a few particular person at this season. I believe God has send other people to minister to the rest. I realize that if I keep covering all the extra miles, then the chances for me to have covered other people mileage in their walk with God is high. So, I leave those miles for others to cover, and I believe God must have arranged someone to cover those mileages.
If we all cover our own mileage, then we all can really go an extra miles for other people outside. For those people who yet to know Christ. For people who are helpless and really in need of help.
Are you covering you own mileage? Ask God to show you the journey which you have to go, the miles which you have walked. Cover your own mileage and then go the extra mile.
HHS…
Abel…
