Wednesday, April 16, 2014

Forever changed

And as they led him away,
they seized one Simon of Cyrene,
who was coming in from the country,
and laid on him the cross,
to carry it behind Jesus.
Luke 23:26

The voice of the mobs prevailed.  "Crucify him!" Pilate went against what he felt in his heart.  He knew, deep down in his heart, that Jesus was not guilty.  He could find no wrong.  But he let the fear of losing control of the crowd triumph.  He lacked the courage to stand against them. Justice stood at a distance.  Jesus was to die a cruel and humiliating death... one he did not deserve. He could have stood up for himself... he is God, after all.  But he didn't.  He didn't have to prove himself to anyone.  He knew this was the only way.  He was the lamb led to be slaughtered. The ultimate sacrifice.

They led him away... after being beaten and bruised beyond recognition... to carry his own cross.  He was at his weakest.  Barely able to breathe, let alone bear the weight of the cross. Then there was a divine pause.... They made someone else do it.  Simon.

Who is this Simon?  To me, he is a beautiful glimpse of Mark 8:34.  "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves, take up their cross and follow me".  Simon literally portrayed this selfless act. He was on his way into the city and most likely had other things planned, but he took up the cross and followed behind Jesus on the path to Calvary. And I believe after this encounter with Jesus, his life was forever changed.

Being a Christian is not about religion.  It's a road we follow... a journey... a life changed by encountering and experiencing a relationship with Jesus... the only One to ever give up his life so that the world could live.

And although the road has proven to have it's share of both joy and heartache, we come to accept the path that has been set before us... because it leads us to him and his overwhelming love for us.  

I am forever changed.


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2 comments:

  1. UnknownApril 16, 2014 at 7:48 PM

    There's another song that comes to my mind. A gospel song we use to sing in Choir. Its called "He decided to die" "He would not come down from the cross just to save himself. He decided to die just to save me." Jesus chose to die. He didnt have to nor did he want to. But He decided to b/c we desperately needed a cross to bridge the gap between us and the Father. Oh how great is God's love. To give your only child for a very sinful undeserving people! May we like Simon be forever change b/c of the cross. As Lynelle Harris sings - "there stands the cost".

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    1. Allison KuykendallApril 16, 2014 at 9:14 PM

      These words are beautiful Inece. I am incapable of fully wrapping my mind around this sacrifice. It's beyond my comprehension. But I am so thankful he choose the nails. So thankful. For it truly was the only way to bridge that gap so we are able to have a personal relationship with the one true God!

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