July 14, 2019

July 14

Running with Jesus  

Luke 23:26  And as they led him away, they laid hold upon one Simon, a Cyrenian, coming out of the country, and on him they laid the cross, that he might bear it after Jesus.

     Let’s run down and stand along beside Jesus on this road Jesus was no longer running but struggling to even breathe being forced to carry the heavy cross after the all night brutal beatings and floggings.  Blood was dripping down everywhere.   Just a few days prior He had ridden into town on a donkey and streets were filled with people waving palm branches and saying Hosanna, Hail King of the Jews.  Now the streets were lined with people crying crucify Him and watching Him being taken to hang on a cross.  Jesus was so weak He could not carry the cross.  The soldiers grabbed a man named Simon of Cyrene and made him carry the cross behind Jesus.

     I wonder how many of us are carrying our crosses behind Him today.  Do people have to force You to help Jesus.  Jesus burden did not stop at Calvary.  He is still burdened for mankind.  Don’t think for one minute when He stepped into heaven His burden stopped.  He finished making provision for us and His work of redemption was finished and He sat down at the right hand of the Father, but His Spirit is here among us crying out come to Me, come to Me all ye who are burdened and heavy laden.  He was working to redeem us that day and is still working to redeem all who are born. He sits there as our Adversary saying, “I died for that one, I died for that one, and I died for that one, they are Mine”.

     Jesus is looking for a Simon in the crowd who will willingly take up their cross, die to self and join Him in bringing others to God.   In the days ahead will we be the crowd when the donkey came or the mob who says kill Him.  Will we be a Simon by force or will we be a willing servant who will suffer with Him.  I pray God will give me strength to be one willing.

Oh Jesus, as we run down this bloody road today help us remember visually what You did for us. Let the blood be used to engrave our hearts that we never forget what You went through for us to have eternal life.  Help us to realize no sacrifice or cross we have to carry will ever compare to what You did for us.  Father, as the last days approach give us grace and a willing spirit to carry our cross for You.

Tomorrow: They reach Golgotha, “The Place of the Skull” meet me there.

Judy Hollaway

Originally penned 2015