The Extra Mile

Ireland is a land of emerald green fields marked off by sparkling rivers all under a blue ethereal sky. The people have a song in their voice and gracious hospitality in their manner.

We learned of this when trying to locate a house where my wife’s mother lived 70 years ago on the outskirts of Cork. Leaning out of our car, directions were sought from a man walking his dog. He confessed he did not know but thought the farmer’s wife just down the road might help. Without hesitation off he went, dragging his dog behind him, to fetch the woman from the old farmhouse. After some time, he emerged with the woman who was able to answer all our questions and give clear directions to the house. Having thanked her, the gentleman told us to wait while he got his car so we could follow him to the spot. He had gone the first mile with us and was now willing to go the extra mile as well.

Christ told his disciples, “If you are asked to go a mile, go twain.”

After visiting the house, we started back to our hotel only to get lost in the country lanes. Already an hour late for dinner, we stopped at a golf course, asking directions from a couple of golfers. After a moment’s chat, they mutually agreed they had enough golf and would lead us to the hotel. Again, they were willing to go the extra mile.

When Simon the Cyrenian was called to carry the cross of Christ, scripture suggests he happily went the extra mile when he returned home. Mark 15:21 tells us he was the father of Alexander and Rufus and Romans 16:13 says, “Salute Rufus, chosen of the Lord.” Simon had carried the cross the extra mile into his home and persuaded his sons to come to Christ.

We have walked the mile with our brothers and sisters to our meeting place in fellowship of worship. We also need to go the extra mile to visit the sick and aged and to help those who are lagging behind. If we are, in this manner, to go the extra mile, we will be heeding the will of our Lord who, in his grace, wants to greet us with, “Well done thou good and faithful servant.”