THE SECOND MILE
Matthew 5:38-48
Today we’re looking at the second of
the four foundations of discipleship for the Brethren. For me this one is the key to it all. This is where the rubber really meets the
road. But I had a lot of struggle in my
preparation. How does one implant this
whole concept in the heart and mind of a Christian. I can’t do spiritual brain or heart surgery. I can’t get into your heart or brain and do a
discipleship implant and every believer rises from the spiritual operating
table as a completed disciple who fulfills all that might be expected of a
disciple.
While I entitled my message The Second Mile, the subject is
fruit-bearing. Fruit-bearing covers a
big territory. Fruit-bearing is what
discipleship is all about. So how does The Second Mile fit this? It comes from our Scripture, if anyone
compels you to go one mile, go with him two.
Roman law allowed a Roman citizen to compel a person to carry their load
for one mile, Jesus said go the extra distance.
I don’t care for Target Store
advertisements. Since we don’t have any
Target stores near us I didn’t know anything about the store. And their advertisements tell little about
the store as well. I thought it was a
drug store – I had not idea they were a department store hoping to be the next
Walmart of retailing. But the latest got
my attention relating to our subject.
With their images flashing on the screen there are background singers in
a deep voice singing (I think) “A little bit more – a little bit more.” That is what discipleship is all about – a
little bit more. It’s all about being
like Jesus. That’s what a disciple is,
you know. A disciple listens and learns
from the teacher. But it is not about
gaining more knowledge. A disciple wants
to be like the teacher. We want to be
like Jesus. Most of us bear little of
the image of Jesus.
Jesus spoke much about
servanthood. He came to serve and not to
be served. He taught us that we are to
be servants as well. Feet-washing is a
demonstration of service. And Jesus said
“blessed are you if you do them.” Service
to mankind has been a hallmark of ministry for the Brethren. But I think we have a long ways to go before
we really become like Jesus.
Let me tell you, I don’t want to be
known as a great preacher (little chance of that anyway). To be called a great (or good) preacher is to
look at what I am or what I accomplish.
I much rather want to be seen as a servant of Jesus. I want to be like Jesus. That’s what it’s all about.
The first 2/3rds of Matthew 25 is all
about faithfulness – the faithful bridesmaids ready for the arrival of the
bridegroom – the faithful stewards with the talents. The last part of Matthew 25 is a powerful
description of the reward of servant-hood.
I don’t think it is saying we are saved by our good works and
servant-hood. But servant-hood is the
mark of reality, the evidence that we are followers of Jesus.
Discipleship also challenges us to live
a life of purity. We are reminded at one
time even to abstain from all appearances of evil – not just to avoid evil but
don’t even give the appearance. Jesus
lived a life of purity. Although we do
not become perfect we set our sites on Jesus, to be more and more conformed to
Him.
Of course since our bodies are temples
of the Holy Spirit we want to also protect and care for our bodies. One Scripture reminds us that we should not
blend our bodies with a harlot. We
should preserve ourselves for the marriage relationship.
This brings us to another area – family
life. Marriage is the very first
institution that God created. The family
is the centerpiece of society. God
leaves no room for any kind of strange love outside of marriage.
This level of discipleship is the basis
of our peace witness. Jesus challenged
us to love our enemies. Jesus came as
the prince of peace. Yes he told us
there would be opposition. There would
be those who would hate us. He even said
there would be wars and rumors of war.
But his world reminds us (Romans 12 and elsewhere) that we are not to retaliate
and take revenge. As much as is possible
with you live at peace. The fruit of
Jesus in our lives leads us to a peace witness.
How does this affect our daily lives as we struggle with co-workers who
will do anything to climb the ladder of success.
I believe this level of discipleship
leads us to a pro-life stance. It is a
love for all of God’s creation for all of His people.
Discipleship leads us to absolute
integrity in all areas of life. We want
to reflect Jesus. In days past the
Brethren were known for their integrity, therefore a simple handshake was all
that was necessary to seal a business transaction.
Discipleship leads us to good stewardship. It leads us not only to care for our bodies
which are temples of the Holy Spirit, but it leads us to good stewardship of
the world around us because it is God’s world which he created. Additionally we care for the world around us
out of the deep level of love that we have for others – we want to leave our children
and grandchildren a legacy of care for all of God’s creation.
Fruit-bearing results from abiding in
Christ. If we abide in Him, He will
shine through us. He came with a word
and way of reconciliation. We also are
to work for reconciliation. We are to
work for peace and life for all.
We have the challenge to extend
compassion – do not retaliate against evil doers (Romans 12:14-21 (9-13)) –
extending love without limit – even though we hate the sin and love that which
is good – we love the person.
Verse 48 “You shall be perfect (in love)”
© 2007.