Click this link to hear an audio version of the below text narrated by SOTH member Jerry Rhinehart:
Mark 15:21-32 (ESV)
The Crucifixion
21 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. 22 And they brought him to the place called Golgotha (which means Place of a Skull). 23 And they offered him wine mixed with myrrh, but he did not take it. 24 And they crucified him and divided his garments among them, casting lots for them, to decide what each should take. 25 And it was the third hour when they crucified him. 26 And the inscription of the charge against him read, “The King of the Jews.” 27 And with him they crucified two robbers, one on his right and one on his left. 29 And those who passed by derided him, wagging their heads and saying, “Aha! You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, 30 save yourself, and come down from the cross!” 31 So also the chief priests with the scribes mocked him to one another, saying, “He saved others; he cannot save himself. 32 Let the Christ, the King of Israel, come down now from the cross that we may see and believe.” Those who were crucified with him also reviled him.
What did you think was going through Simon’s mind when he was forced to carry the cross?
Holy Savior, as I look at Simon, a father, farmer and most likely a Christian and acquaintance of the disciples, I think about ordinary people who are called out of their lives to do extraordinary things to support Your mission of salvation to the world. There are times when I find myself in situations that I don’t choose or I realize that I have a burden on my heart to serve or further Your kingdom. During those times and situations, I realize how literally close I am to You, watching Your every move and sometimes even suffering with You. As I take difficult steps forward and move my eyes to You, You provide inner strength when I need it. Your promise helps relieve my fear of being overwhelmed by circumstances that may look daunting. As I do things to carry Your cross, to promote Your gospel message of saving grace, when I risk my popularity, financial security or even my life by doing Your will, it is minimal compared to what You did for me when You suffered and died on that cross. You conquered death for eternity and gave me a way to salvation when I didn’t deserve it. Lord, Jesus, I humbly praise You and thank You. Help me to be open and available when You need me. Allow me the honor to carry Your cross to serve You and to share Your Gospel message to the World. Amen.