It is generally agreed that the Apostle Paul, in all his missionary journeys combined, would have traveled over well 10,000 miles during his earthly ministry!

Miles covered for Jesus’ Sake!

John Wesley, the famous circuit riding Preacher from England, traversed over 200,000 miles, preaching the Gospel!

Francis Asbury, in America, rode horseback around 270,000 miles, it is conservatively estimated. No telling how many sermons!

All these men were acting in obedience to Jesus’ Great Commission of Matthew 28:19-20. “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”

Or more simply stated in Mark 16:16 … “Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.”

In fact, all four Gospels and the Book of Acts as well relate this great Task of the Church! Pursuing this noble goal will accumulate some miles, I can assure you!

All this travel, all these miles, for a Man (Jesus, the Son of God) Who barely left the little nation in which He was born!

A Man Who Himself walked very few miles in comparison to His followers!

But the miles Jesus did walk were monumental!

I think primarily of that trek from the courtroom of Pilate to Calvary’s Brow! The WALK which led to the DEATH that changed the whole world forever! Yes, the shed Blood of the now resurrected Jesus can still wash away sin. It does so daily!

Hallelujah!

Oh, one more thing about Jesus and “miles.”

Something He taught, also revolutionary, life-changing!

Matthew 5:41 … “And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.”

Here is the key to forgiveness!

The key to overcoming bitterness!

The key to turning an enemy into a freind!

The key to a more joyful life!

In reality … Jesus’ few “miles” propel us to travel our many miles for His Glory and Honor!

And were it possible, several vociferous AMENS would have just been heard! In response to that last statement.

From Paul and Wesley and Asbury and a thousand more traveling witnesses for Jesus!

HE IS WORTHY!

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

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