‘Now as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name. Him they compelled to bear His cross. ‘ Matthew 27:32
Please read the first post here – https://transformationplace.blog/2020/01/08/the-choice/
The soldiers forced Simon of Cyrene to bear the cross, he was unwilling. The man was reluctant, and therefore, not a follower of Jesus. He didn’t understand the benefit of such an act and the reason for the pain he would have to endure, so his answer was no. This man’s name is written in all the history books and the Bible for the role he played, but it was not his choice. He became a helper, and burden-bearer for the Christ, though unwillingly. He carried the cross of Christ with all the ramifications it bears, and went all the way to Golgotha with Jesus. Nothing is coincidental with God, so why him? Of all the people in the crowd, why was this man chosen and forced to help our lord? The answers will not be found here, but I see death in this man’s story.
‘But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.”‘ Luke 10:42
Mary made a choice that disregarded the dictates of society and set her apart. She prioritized one thing, above all others, following Jesus, another death. To live in Christ is to die to ourselves, to remain plugged in and able to do God’s will. This is impossible with men, but with God, all things are possible. To understand that the life you live is in Christ and you have no life of your own is a difficult situation to grasp, but it can be lived out. How?
‘Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? ‘I Corinthians 6:19
The follower of Christ houses the Holy Spirit, who Jesus called the helper. Jesus also said in John 16:13, that the Holy Spirit will guide us into all truth. He is all we need. From when we wake up till we go to bed, we should be communicating with Him and being led by Him, because, without Him, we are still living our own lives.
We may bear the external features that give away our identities, but internally, our spirits should be renewed continually to be more like Christ. God has provided grace and mercy, new every morning to aid us, and the Holy Spirit to guide us, so we are without excuses. Simon was not given a choice, yet died to himself, and Mary chose death by herself, so what choices are we making today?
God bless you as you listen to Jonathan McReynolds,’Cathedral’ – https://youtu.be/tfodIpQMtMc
Till next time, be transformed!!
Transformation Place 