Simon Of Cyrene: A Poor And Blessed Man

Those ultimately made Simon believe Jesus was the Messiah and become His follower. This Simon carried the real cross and followed Jesus, as Jesus said: "Whoever wants to come after Me must deny himself, take up his cross and follow Me" (Matthew 16:24). But what Jesus meant was the cross of each of us and not a wooden cross, but the suffering we experience because of our faith in Jesus and the service we do. Carrying the real cross, Simon truly experienced later.

According to church history, Simon later went to Egypt to preach the gospel and was martyred there, where his body was cut in two. Mark mentions the names of his two sons, Alexander and Rufus because they were probably already known to Christians. In Romans 16:13 the Apostle Paul says: “Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother, who has been a mother to me, too.” Perhaps Rufus was Simon’s son. Simon may have died by then, so Paul only greeted his wife and son.

The story of Simon of Cyrene is interesting for us to reflect on. If Simon had not been forced to carry Jesus’ cross, he might not have known Jesus and received His grace. His life, his family circumstances, and his path would have been different. However, because he was forced to carry Jesus’ cross, his name was recorded in the Bible and known to billions of people for two thousand years.

Sometimes, as Simon experienced, some things are unpleasant or that we do not like that God allows to happen in our lives. Let us learn to believe that God allows it because there is something beautiful that He has prepared for us. Remember what Romans 8:28-29 says.

Remember Joseph's painful experience because he was sold by his brothers and became a slave for years. However, he did not give up, with faith in Yahweh he did not let himself sink into disappointment and anger. He rose and fought with Elohim so that in the end, he became Prime Minister of Egypt.

Are you experiencing unpleasant or even painful things right now? Are you starting to lose heart, become disappointed, or even angry with God? Believe that God allows all of that. Didn't the Lord Jesus say, "Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father"? (Matthew 10:29). That sentence is to tell you that you and I are much more valuable than birds.

You are always under God's supervision and care. He works in your life to make you more beautiful in His sight. Therefore James 1:2-4 says: "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you fall into various trials because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. And let perseverance have its perfect effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing."

Let's continue to believe in God's love, power, wisdom, and beautiful plan in our lives. Amen!