Simon of Cyrene

Matthew 27:32-35
32 As they were on the way, they came across a man named Simon, who was from Cyrene, and they forced him to carry Jesus’ cross. 33 Then they went out to a place called Golgotha (which means Skull Hill). 34 The soldiers gave him wine mixed with bitter gall, but when he had tasted it, he refused to drink it. 35 After they had nailed him to the cross. NLT

Jesus, Son of God,
Thank You for the wonderful image You’ve given me through Simon of Cyrene. An unimportant, ordinary man, he happened to stop at a dramatic scene, and was pressed into service by the tap of the Roman’s soldier’s broad sword. Little did he know when he stopped to watch the drama unfold, that he’d be forced to participate in an unwanted, unplanned, and unglamorous assignment that would radically reshape the remainder of his life. Undoubtedly, he had no idea that the command he’d been given to carry Your cross would be one of the greatest honors ever given to a human being. Certainly, he didn’t expect a divine encounter when he left home that morning. Pressed into service, he had no choice but to lay aside his plans and obey.

Lord, if you tap me on the shoulder with the Sword of Your Word and compel me to carry a burden for You, I want to be like Simon of Cyrene. He wasn’t chosen because he was pious, strong or faithful. He was chosen simply because he was in the right place at the right time. He may have grudging obliged. However, seeing his blessing I’ll willingly pick up any burden You hand me and carry it no matter the cost. A job that looks insignificant and inconsequential could turn out to be an incredibly important, life altering incident, and a divine encounter with You.

All around me are broken, traumatized, exhausted people who have stumbled and can’t get up. The weight of their cross is more than they can bear. Helping a scorned person carry his or her humiliation will likely hinder my plans and dreams. It will certainly require sacrifice. It may be degrading and out of my comfort zone. At the same time, it may be the most honorable, significant assignment I ever receive. Please dear Lord, press me into service today. I will obey to honor and glorify Your name. Amen.

Whose cross can you carry today? Open the eyes of your heart and look around. There are hurting people every where. Stop whatever you’re doing. Pick up their cross and walk in the name of Jesus. Just as Christ walked with Simon, He’ll walk with you. That irritating interruption, may be one of the greatest honors you’ll ever receive.

Jesus said, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me." Luke 9:23