When You Are Asked to do More Than You Think You Can Handle

He was minding his own business. 

But whether he just happened to be in town or had come to see the spectacle, we will never know.

Trudging his way in from the country, Simon of Cyrene’s day went south…fast.

I’m sure the Centurions didn’t politely ask the crowd for a volunteer —to carry the beam for the poor bloodied “criminal.” Yanked from where he was standing, they commanded him to pick up the heavy cross beam. Weak from the beatings, the man at his feet could go no further with the impossible load.

My mind swirls,

Did Simon know who the disfigured man was? Probably.

Was he a follower? Maybe.

Or a Palm Sunday celebrator who became a hater a week later?

 

Was he thankful he could help?

Or did he grumble?

Was he angry?

Did he feel distaste? humiliation?

 

Or sorrow?

Did he accept with resignation that he was just in the wrong place at the wrong time?

Or was it the right place?

 

The longer we live, the more we realize that life is tough regardless of your faith walk.

 

I’ve been hurt, but not like him.

He was ignored, despised by thousands, crucified.

I’ve been abandoned, but not like him.

Once followed by adoring multitudes, they turned brutally on him, and even his inner circle fled.

I’ve been betrayed, but not like him.

My betrayals have caused angst, tears, and pain.

But his ultimate betrayal ended in agony and death.

 

He was was a King with everything at his feet,

Yet he gave it all for me.

He lowered himself to our physical realm and allowed himself to feel sickness, discomfort and pain.

 

All for me…to save me from my self.

 

He who had no sin gave his precious life for me.

He rescued me from my dark path,

And on that angry day—Satan thought he had won.

But I know what he did not. 

 

My Savior could not be bound by the icy vise of death.

My Lord triumphs over all. 

 

I’m indebted to him for my very breath, my stability,

My peace in a crazed evil world.

 

So regardless of where the path leads, and the cost involved,

I will take up my cross and follow him.

I am grateful beyond words,

I owe him everything.

****************

Isa 53:5 But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his woulds we are healed.

-Focus on what he has done for you, and be willing to do whatever he asks of you.

-Take time to make a list this weekend and thank him for each item on the list.