Simon of Cyrene

Now as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name. Him they compelled to bear His cross - Mathew 27:32.

                 Simon is a man from Cyrene, a major city of Lybia in Northern Africa. He came to Jerusalem during the Pass over. As Jesus was too weak to carry the cross, the soldiers compelled Simon to carry His cross. Though Simon would not have thought of it, he willingly carried the cross for Jesus. If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me - Matthew 16:24.

                As soon as Jesus was arrested, all the disciples left Him and ran away. Simon Peter who followed Jesus at a safe distance just to see what would happen denied Him three times. And whoever does not bear His cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple - Luke 14:27. As Simon of Cyrene walked behind God, he was asked to carry the cross. He fulfilled the work of carrying the cross even though his dreams and plans might have crushed.

               Like Simon, let us also understand the purpose of God and follow Him to fulfill it. Simon was the father of Alexander and Rufus. His dedication brought his whole family to serve God. And they compelled a passerby, Simon of Cyrene, who was coming in from the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to carry his cross - Mark 15:21. Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine - Romans 16:13.

                                                                

PRAYER: Dear Lord, Help us to take up Your cross and follow You by denying ourselves. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.