The Compelling Mile
Reflective Reading: Colossians 3:12-17
There is a word in the Greek language whose history spans across two empires, explaining well one form of servitude. It is a form that Christ demands of us. It is called Aggareuo—pronounced, ang-ar-yew'-o.
Aggareuo means ‘to compel; to force someone to do something distasteful or humiliating.’ It originated during the reign of Cyrus the Great, who set up a Pony Express of sorts to carry messages across the Persian Empire. Messengers would ride from station to station exchanging their horses for fresh ones to make sure they delivered as quickly as possible. If needed, they were allowed to seize privately owned horses to ensure timely delivery.
The Romans made use of this concept in their own empire as they compelled into service the people of vanquished countries. There was a law that said a man must carry the bag of a Roman for one mile if requested to do so. Imagine how humiliating this was for the Jews during the Roman occupation of Israel. Imagine how unthinkable it was for the disciples when they heard Jesus say,
“And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two.” ~Matthew 5:41
The apostles would likely remember this teaching when they saw the demonstration of Aggareuo on the Calvary road. In Matthew 27:32 we read,
“And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name: him they compelled (Aggareuo) to bear his cross.”
I imagine that this teaching was lodged in their hearts when they saw this bystander compelled by the Romans. Even on the way to the cross Christ was teaching us. But more than the compelling of this Cyrenean, we have our LORD and Savior going the extra mile to die on that cross; but He wasn’t compelled by the Romans, He was compelled by His love.
Are you being asked to go an extra mile currently? Go two!
To explore these truths further, I invite you to be whisked away into the world of Ancient Rome in Dashed to Pieces—one of our favorite books and audio dramas. A must-read (or listen) for the entire family!
Dr. Mark Hamby
Additional Recommended Reading:
Probable Sons (Ages 6+)
Winter’s Folly (Ages 9+)
Out of the Pit (Ages 12+)
Dashed to Pieces book/audio (Ages 12 +)
