The Cross

As they led Jesus away, a man named Simon, who was from Cyrene, happened to be coming in from the countryside. The soldiers seized him and put the cross on him and made him carry it behind Jesus. Luke 23:26


He didn’t apply for the job; he didn’t even see it advertised. Simon had no idea he would be carrying the cross of the Savior. He just happens by and was given the job, his skills were not assessed, and there was no interview, no resume, nothing. Why did God place upon a soldier’s heart to take the cross from Jesus, what is the message for us? The first thought of course is must Jesus bear the cross alone and all the world go free? No there’s a cross for everyone and there’s a cross for me. As I move towards The Resurrection I must ask myself have you looked at your crosses. Have you even picked up a cross? Are they the crosses Jesus meant for you when He said “And if you do not carry your own cross and follow me, you cannot be my disciple?” Luke 14:27. Unlike Simon I have a choice, Jesus left it up to me, I get to apply for the job. But, (and there is a big but) when I read further He also tells me to not be so quick to put in my application. “But don’t begin until you count the cost.” Luke 14:28. Wow! Not only must I take a look at my cross and make sure it is the right cross I must also decide if I am willing to pay the cost if I plan to go on whatever the cross.
Does my salvation, acceptance of Christ as my Savior automatically label me disciple? I think not, this is why I believe Simon had to pick up the cross. To show me Jesus would require more of me to be His disciple. Weak in his human flesh as I believe Christ was after His night of suffering I believe He would have carried the cross all the way to Golgotha if that had been the will of the Father. But my heart says God had another message for me, remember the words of my Son, you must pick up your own cross to truly be my disciple. I must admit I took the assignment without considering the cost. Today I have examine the cost; loving Jesus more than family, more than self, more than the world, more than my life; reaching out my hands in love and bearing another’s burden, forgiving those who have brought me pain, putting others before myself, letting go of my own selfishness, surrendering. I must admit the crosses I have bared have not always been easy and I have not always willingly pick up the cross I have carried-some were handed to me just like Simon. Consider the cost, it is nothing compared to what it cost my Savior. Yes, Jesus I still accept the call to pick up my own cross and follow Thee.

Must Jesus bear the cross alone,
And all the world go free?
No, there’s a cross for everyone,
And there’s a cross for me.
How happy are the saints above,
Who once went sorrowing here!
But now they taste unmingled love,
And joy without a tear.
The consecrated cross I’ll bear
Till death shall set me free;
And then go home my crown to wear,
For there’s a crown for me.
Upon the crystal pavement down
At Jesus’ piercèd feet,
Joyful I’ll cast my golden crown
And His dear Name repeat.
O precious cross! O glorious crown!
O resurrection day!
When Christ the Lord from Heav’n comes down
And bears my soul away.


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