Forced

Mark 15:21”And they FORCED a passerby, Simon of Cyrene, who was coming in from the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to carry his cross.”

Make an impact in this broken world! We have worn too many crosses around our necks and shirts, now it is time to show the world the impact of the ‘cross’ in your life! Are you listening? Let them see your identity with Christ! One day Simon of Cyrene was caught up in the crowd that came to see Jesus who was on the last leg of his journey to Jerusalem, bruised and with a heavy cross on his back. Simon was not prepared at all when suddenly one of the soldiers dragged him to Jesus and ‘forced’ him to carry the cross. The journey of Simon carrying the cross of Jesus started with compulsion but it did end with him being awed at the fortitude of Jesus during a time of terrible crisis! I guess this endearing quality of his patience while blood oozed out of his body should have moved Simon!

Sometimes you are unable to see the goodness behind the roughness! However, at times you are deceived by the outward beauty and smooth talk and fall prey to brutal betrayal. All that glitters is not gold! Beware! There are charming princes these days who know the knack to entertain, joke and attract; nevertheless, if you peel off the surface , you can see ugliness inside: obscene language, boisterous behavior, brash attitude and addictions. Ask God to give you discernment!

Simon did not know that Jesus was no ordinary man - but He was God! He was "forced" to help Jesus carry the cross that eventually became a great blessing for him. Imagine his reaction when he came to know of the resurrection of Jesus. Simon became the talk of the town in Cyrene. Hallelujah!

Sometimes God has to "force" you to do certain things considering the value of the product, you may rebel but God has the best in mind for you.