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2nd Mile Service

The familiar  adage to “go the extra mile”  was  born over  2000 years  ago when Jesus  clarified the standards that would distinguish his  kingdom from the world’s.  At that time, Palestine was  occupied by the Roman army, and the military was permitted to press the Jewish populace into service when necessary. For  instance, by martial law, a soldier could require a civilian to carry  his pack for up to one mile. Of course the Jews  resented this compulsory service, so the disciples were surprised when Jesus  urged them to go beyond the letter of the law by carrying the soldier’s pack two miles.(1) In Matthew 5, you can read about this and find several other examples Jesus cited to clarify  a new “above-and-beyond” standard: “If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.” “If anyone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well.” “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall…

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