Beyond the Weekend

June 24 | Demand

June 24, 2021

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. Matthew 5:41

Read: Matthew 5:41
Listen: 
Matthew 5

TODAY’S MESSAGE

Imagine heading out to a full day of work harvesting your grain. As you head out, a Roman soldier happens to walk by. He sees you and exercises his right to have you carry his gear for about a mile, exactly 1,000 steps. He’s now imposed himself into your day. Your plans take a backseat to his plans. That’s the picture Jesus paints for his listeners. He tells them a heart filled with the grace of God will push away bitterness and resentment. Instead, it is filled with so much grace that you offer to take it 2,000 steps. Watch this video clip as Pastor Jeff Manion tells us going the first mile is because you’re under the dominance of Rome, but going the second mile is because you’re under the direction of Christ.

This idea was radical for them—and radical for us too. Being a person of the second mile doesn’t come naturally. It’s easy to get bitter and count each of the 1,000 figurative steps we take when our boss, spouse or parent demands something from us. Rarely do we ever feel like doing something above and beyond what they’ve asked. A heart shaped by the grace of God submits our daily agenda to whatever God may bring along. We become people of the second mile. That doesn’t mean we never create healthy boundaries or allow ourselves to be taken advantage of regularly. Jesus gives an illustration of a new way of thinking, not a rule we have to follow.

IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY

Desire to be a person of the second mile. Ask God to help you see the demands of today differently. Look for them and try to respond with grace in your heart. Consider going the second mile with a good attitude when they happen.


NEW TESTAMENT READING PLAN

Join us this year as we read through the New Testament.

Today’s reading is Romans 7.


Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.

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