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A certain man from Cyrene, Simon, the father of Alexander and Rufus, was passing by on his way in from the country, and they forced him to carry the cross. – Mark 15:21
Who was Simon of Cyrene? We do not know too much about him, but we can make some pretty good guesses. Cyrene was the capital city of the province of Cyrenaica, which was in the eastern part of present day Libya in North Africa. Mark tells us that he was the father of Alexander and Rufus. (Mark 15:21, Acts 13:1.) And since the gospel of Mark was directed to the Romans, it is seems likely that the sons were well known in the church at Rome.
The greatest honor ever given to a human being was when Mary conceived and gave birth to Jesus Christ. The next greatest honor given to a human being may have been the honor of carrying Jesus' cross.
But how unexpected the honor was! When Simon left home he had no idea that he was going to play such an important part in history!
We often hear that a cross is something that we voluntarily pick up; but this is not always so. The text tells us that Simon was compelled, at the point of a roman sword, to carry the cross. What is it that compels us to carry burdens for the sake of Christ? It is the power of His love. The love of Christ in our hearts is what compels us to follow wherever He leads and to carry whatever cross He lays before us. His love compels us, and we would not have the courage to obey, if we did not have His love in our hearts. Hatred, fear, duty, ambition, pride, these are all things that can motivate people, but nothing compares to love! Love is the most powerful force in the word!
The task Simon was asked to complete was not a very spectacular one. His job was simply to carry a cross several hundred yards; tradition tells us that Jesus Himself had already carried the cross most of the distance. Although the job looked insignificant at the moment, it turned out to be extremely important!
It is often easier to get people to assume big crosses with a lot of publicity attached to them, crosses that the multitude can see. But it is very difficult to get them to assume the little crosses that are unnoticed by the crowd. Yet, frequently it is the little cross that does the most good!
I do not know what kind of cross the Lord may present to you, but whatever it is, carry it! Perhaps even as you read this, the Lord will honor you and ask you to shoulder a burden. Maybe right now He's saying, "I want you to reach out to your next door neighbor.” Or, “I need you to take a meal to a hurting family.” He may be calling you to sponsor a child, or volunteer in a particular ministry, or make a generous donation. Whatever cross He may have presented to you - Carry it for the sake of His love!
Jeff Frazier
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