Take up His Cross

Is the cross that you are carrying pressing heavy? You will be like your Master; someone will be found to help you. They found Simon to carry Jesus’ cross (Matt. 27:32), and God has a Simon somewhere for you. Just cry to the Lord and He will find you a friend.

I believe that Simon found that carrying the cross was a blessed occupation. When the soldiers forced Simon to carry the cross, it brought him close to Jesus. Had he not been forced to carry the cross, Simon might have gone his own way or been lost in the world. But now he is near Jesus.

As they lifted the cross on Simon’s shoulders, he looked at Jesus and saw the crown of thorns, the bloody sweat, the lacerations, the bruises. The face, that matchless face, was majesty blended with misery, innocence with agony, and love with sorrow. Simon would never have seen that countenance or marked the form of the Son of man so clearly if he had not been called to take up that cross. It is amazing how much we see of Jesus when we suffer or work for Him.

The cross held Simon in Christ’s steps. Do you get it? If Jesus carried the front part of the cross and Simon followed, then his feet had to follow the Master’s. Dear friend, the cross is a wonderful implement for keeping us in the way of our Lord.

Believing child of God, I pray that today you will be compelled to carry the cross, that you will have closer and more precious fellowship with Him. “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me” (Matt. 16:24).