-February 13, 2023-
Good morning, happy Monday,
“Then they compelled a certain man, Simon a Cyrenian, the father of Alexander and Rufus, as he was coming out of the country and passing by, to bear His cross.”
(Mark 15:21).
We often hear the expression, “He was in the wrong place at the wrong time.” This means that somehow fate, or bad luck, or misfortune resulted. Sometimes we also hear the expression, “He was in the right place, at the right time.” This indicates good fortune. For Simon what seemed like a major hardship, not to mention a disruption in his departure from Jerusalem back to his home country. He was caught right in the middle of the Via de la Rosa, the way to Calvary. There just happened to be a crucifixion that day.
The timing of this incident was God’s perfect timing. All three Synoptic Gospels record it (Matthew 27:32; Mark 15:21; and Luke 23:26). Matthew, Mark, and Luke are synoptic, meaning they write of the same events in the life of Jesus. Matthew wrote to a Jewish audience, Mark to a Roman audience, and Luke to a broader Gentile audience. In the case of Mark, a close associate of Peter, he gives more details about Simon. We notice two important things: he was the father of Alexander and Rufus, and he was coming out of the country and passing by.
God used Simon to tell his family of what he experienced and witnessed at the cross. According to noted Bible teacher and commentator, H.A. Ironside, “The early Christians said that this Cyrenian and his sons all became loyal followers of Jesus in after days. Some identify one of the sons with Rufus mentioned in Romans 16:13.” If is true, which I believe it is, it should bring us to the realization that God has a purpose in everything and uses people and circumstances to bring about His will in our lives.
God blessed Simon for bearing the cross of Jesus. Jesus was severely beaten, bloodied, and burdened by the heavy cross. Tradition has it that He fell several times before the Roman soldiers compelled Simon to take over. I am sure that God will reward Simon for carrying the cross of His Son, Jesus Christ.
May we thank and trust God to directs our steps and our stops in life. We should see whatever happens in our lives as directed by God for our good. Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” This includes detours, delays, interruptions, and cancellations. An elderly lady in our church, who has since passed away told of the amazing story how her parents were supposed to travel on the S.S Titanic but had to cancel at the last moment. Over 1500 people died after the ship hit a giant iceberg.
Have a blessed day being exactly where God wants you to be: in the center of His will. Stay safe and healthy.
Doing everything in the name and for the sake of the Lord Jesus,
Dean
Dean Allen's Daily Devotional 