The Weightlifter

Today’s Verse:

And they compel one Simon a Cyrenian, who passed by, coming out of the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to bear his cross. ~Mark 15:21

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Weightlifting is a very good exercise for building endurance, increasing muscle mass, and toning. It is helpful for your cardiovascular system as well. Athletes who are serious weightlifters can transform their bodies into muscular sensations. In effect, it changes the person outwardly and makes him look like a different man. In our devotion, we see a man who carried a heavy weight that made him a different man.

We see a traveler.

“Simon a Cyrenian, who passed by, coming out of the country.” The only description we have about Simon is that he was a man of Cyrene who happened to pass through Jerusalem. He just happened to pass the way where Jesus was to bear His cross to Calvary. He got caught up in the insanity. He walked right into the jeering mob and the Roman soldiers, who have beaten Jesus and are trying to get Him to carry the heavy cross to Calvary. It is there that Simon saw a beaten and bloody Jesus. “Who is this Man? What did He do to receive these indignities and humiliation?”

We see the travail.

Simon was forced to carry the cross for Jesus. As he bore that heavy cross, he had to carry it all the way to the site of the crucifixion. He knew what that cross meant. He knew that it meant that a condemned man would be nailed to it to suffer unimaginable pain and a slow, agonizing death. Simon felt the weight of the cross. He felt the burden that he was carrying. What is the hardest thing that you have ever had to do? How heavy is your burden, or weight, that you are carrying in comparison to the weight of the cross?

We see the tragedy.

Simon arrived at the site where Jesus would be crucified. Deep within Simon’s heart, he knew something was different about Jesus. He may have taken a glance or two into the eyes of Jesus and have seen the love and mercy of God. Simon stepped back and watched in horror as Jesus was brutally positioned on the cross, nails were pounded into His hands and feet, and the cross was hoisted into its place. Simon carried the cross, but it was not Simon who was placed on that cross. It was Jesus Who took Simon’s place and the place of every sinner. There, the wrath of God for sin was poured out on Jesus. Simon’s heart must have beaten hard and heavy as he watched Jesus bleed and suffer.

We see the transformation.

That day was an unforgettable day in Simon’s life. He would never forget what he saw, heard, and carried. On that day, Simon’s life was transformed forever. Simon placed his faith in Jesus as his Saviour. It could be that he was one of the men from Cyrene who went to Antioch and preached Jesus to them. His life made a difference in the lives of others because he could testify with tears in his eyes that he bore the cross for Jesus. He also left a dynamic legacy. He was the father of Rufus and Alexander. Both of his sons were noted disciples of the Lord Jesus. They were greatly influenced by Simon’s testimony and zeal for the gospel. The weight of the cross changed Simon’s life. Has the power of the cross transformed you? Do you glory in the cross of Christ? Will you take up your cross and follow Him?

Have a crucified God Morning!

Bible Reading Schedule: Ezekiel 25-27

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