A second miler has a generous spirit which in every circumstance goes beyond the call of duty to help and encourage. What is the context of this verse? Israel was occupied by the Romans and soldiers were constantly moving all over the place. Roman law allowed the soldier to conscript a civilian to carry his burden for only one mile. Then the man had to be released. Second milers are a rare species but they can be grown by cultivating “second miling” in four key areas:-

1 – Friendship – Jesus

See Exodus 22:26-27 & Matthew 5:47. Jesus says “If you greet your brothers only, what do you do more than others?”

2 – Prayer – Jabez

See 1 Chronicles 4:9-10. It pleased God to break the predictable mould and use a visionary named Jabez.

3 – Giving – Abigail

See 1 Samuel 25:18-31. She had beauty and brains and she put them to good use. Going the second mile can empty your cupboards but god can see to it that they will be filled to overflowing. Soon Abigail was in charge of the palace kitchens.

4 – Courage – Caleb

See Numbers 13:30. At the age of 85 he asks for Hebron at the distribution of the land. This was the place that so scared the ten spies. He courageously took possession by driving out the three sons of Arak. There is no retirement in God’s work. See Joshua 14:6-15 & 15:13-16.

5 – Other Second Milers

The Bible also mentions:-

• Miriam – Who ensured that her brother Moses had the best of spiritual and secular training?
• Solomon – He had inherited his father’s literary gift and went the second mile with his pen. He wrote 3,000 proverbs and 1,005 songs.
• Joseph of Arimathaea – He gave his tomb for the Lord Jesus.
• Lydia – She opened her heart to the Lord and then her house to Paul and Silas.
• The fellows who got the man to the saviour through a hole in the roof.
• The lad who gave his lunch to the Lord and saw thousands fed.

6 – Are you an average person or a second miler?

It is good to be average but even better to be a second miler. See the comparisons below:-

Categories: Matthew