GO THE EXTRA MILE
And if anyone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your garment also.
And whoever forces you to go one mile, go with him two. Matthew 5:40-41
Billy Strachan was born in Scotland. He was an entertainer and depended heavily on alcohol until he came to Jesus in the 1950s. He came to the U.S. to teach at a camp in Minnesota. At the home where he stayed was a college student by the name of Ruth who worked for the family serving the guests. She had heard Billy speak on the Holy Spirit in the Christian’s life. At supper that night, she said to Billy, “Did you mean what you said about self-control?” He said, “Well, yes I did.” At that point, she poured the pitcher of milk in her hand all over his head, and it ran down over his only suit. He excused himself and went to his room. There, he kicked the bed, hit his head on the wall and told God what he thought of that girl. After a bit, he washed off, wiped off his suit, combed his hair and went back down thinking, “There, how’s that for graciousness.” Ruth came over and said, “Well, you controlled yourself very well, didn’t you?” Billy said, “Yes, because I meant what I said. Christ is my control.” She said, “Well, if He can do it once, then He can do it again.” Then she threw a pitcher of water at him. Billy went back to his room. The leader came up and said, “I don’t know what’s going on. But she’s down there crying.” Billy said, “Let her alone. God is doing something in her heart.” The same thing happened every night that week at supper. By Friday, Billy didn’t want to go to supper. The head of the home was going to fire the girl, but Billy said, “No, God is at work in her heart.” Then, Matthew 5:40-41 came to mind. So, on Friday, Billy showed up for supper with a bucket of water. The tension in the room was high. Ruth was reaching for a towel. Billy said, “Ruth, I have no idea of why you are doing what you are doing. But I want to apologize for making you get your own water.” At that point she broke down in tears again and Billy lead her to true faith in Jesus. She had been leaning on a religious system and not the Savior. She had ritual, but no relationship with the Redeemer.
Ike Graham