Robert, Restless and Always Reforming

I have always been an avid reader of the famed author and pastor-teacher Henry Blackaby since I first read his book “Experiening God”. Since then I have enjoyed listening and reading from the works of his sons Mel, Richard, Tom who are in full time ministry and part of Blackaby Ministries International.

In this short but powerful book, Going the Second Mile by Mel Blackaby. Blackaby describes what it is to live on the second mile according to what Jesus stated in the text of Matthew 5:41. Mel is currently the senior pastor of FBC Jonesboro in Georgia. In the verse “Whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two” blackaby gives insight into the historical context of this scripture by stating that back in Jesus’ time, Roman law gave a soldier the right to force a jewish civilian to carry his pack for a mile. The law, designed to relieve the soldier, not only caused great inconvenience to jewish civilians but was made even more despicable by the fact the oppressed jews were made to carry the equipment and weapons for their oppressors. Outside of combat the Roman soldier was probably never more hated than when he forced someone to carry his pack.

Then blackaby goes into demonstrating that living on the second mile is about going beyond what this world dictates that we should do and be. We’re called to a higher standard of living above the norm. We are to live a life that reflects Jesus, a life of devotion to him in service to others. While the world sees your ability on the first mile, they see Christ’s power working through you on the second.  He carries the burden and takes you beyond yourself to accomplish what is impossible by your own natural abilities.

But this means going against the tide of natural human instinct. We usually do the minium that will get us by. Consequently, this idea makes the reader uncomfortable in a good way though. Each chapter offers a new challenge, addressing God’s perspective on a particular aspect of the Christian life. The book is broken into small manageable chapters and is easily digestible. The questions for reflection and further application at the back end give themselves well to a discussion group format.