Got in the car this morning (after sweeping out the broken glass from smashed driver’s side window – grr!) and on the radio was Australia All Over. I don’t usually get to hear this. The radio, after all, exists to broadcast cricket to the world.
Anyway, ‘Macca’ spoke of extra milers. That mums and grandmothers for years have been ‘extra milers’ and the we (on his show) love the extra milers. They’re extra dedicated, selfless, …
Does he know where it’s from? No idea. It’s worth knowing, though. Jesus said this, as recorded in Matthew 5:
38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ 39 But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. 40 And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. 41 And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. 42 Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you.” esv
I’m sure Jesus was not on about devoted behaviour. It’s more about the higher justice that issues in mercy, the kind of justice God himself shows. But that’s a whole new posting.