DayBreaks 02/16/11 – The Second Mile
Shortly after the battles ended the American Revolution, but before the peace had been negotiated, George Washington was with his troops in Newburgh, New York. But they began to grow very restless because they hadn’t been paid. Washington had begged the Continental Congress to do what they said they would do and pay the soldiers, but they refused.
Some of the officers began to organize a rebellion. They talked about marching on Philadelphia (which was at that time the seat of the national government) to overthrow the government and with the intention of letting the army rule the nation.
With the fate of America in the balance, George Washington made a surprise appearance before these officers. After praising them for their service and thanking them for their sacrifice, he pulled from his pocket a copy of a speech that he wished to read. But then he fumbled with a paper and finally reached for a set of reading glasses-glasses those men had never seen him wear before. Washington made this simple statement: “I have already grown grey in the service of my country, and now I am going blind.”
Historian Richard Norton Smith wrote: “Instantly rebellion melted into tears. It was a galvanizing moment, and the rebellion…” was put down because they had seen before them a second miler.
How does this relate to our Christian walk? Becoming a Christian is one thing; being a Christian is another one. Every chance you get for the glory of Jesus, for the goodness of others, and because of the grace of God, go the second mile. Jesus did!
Go the extra mile for someone...like Jesus did for us!
Galen’s Thoughts: There is someone who needs you to go the second mile with them, or for them. Perhaps you’ve been hurt and decided you will show them kindness no more. Your going the second mile may make the difference in their going to heaven.
You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ 39 But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. 40 And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. 41 And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. – Matthew 5:38-41
PRAYER: We are quick, Father, to give up on others especially when we feel someone has taken advantage of us. Help us put others ahead of our own pride and pain – even as Jesus did for us on the cross – and to go the extra mile for them. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
COPYRIGHT 2011, Galen C. Dalrymple ><}}}”>
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