Take the Cross
As the soldiers led him away, they seized Simon from Cyrene, who was on his way in from the country, and put the cross on him and made him carry it behind Jesus. Luke 23:26 NIV
A believer thought the cross given to him was too heavy. He met Jesus in a dream during sleep. He asked if Jesus could his cross a little shorten. Then the Lord cut the cross in third. However, the believer still felt that the cross was too heavy and asked the Lord to cut it down a little bit more. Then the Lord accepted the request again and cut it to half. After that, the believer carried the light and shortened cross and arrived at the Jordan River, where he could across to the heaven. When everybody arrived there, everyone put the cross they were carrying it in front of them, stepped on it, and crossed the Jordan River to enter the heaven. However, this believer's cross was too short to cross the Jordan River, not able to enter the heaven. The believer woke up from his dream and was shocked and it is said that the believer came to appreciate the cross given to him and live it with gratitude.
Who was the first person to carry the cross of Jesus? Simon from Cyrene according to the text. Simon of Cyrene did not choose the cross for himself. The cross of Jesus was forcibly put on him.
What did Simon of Cyrene think as he carried Jesus' cross and followed Jesus up the hill of Golgotha?
Sometimes, we are taking unexpected cross and follow the Lord.
God will be glorified through our obedience.
The Lord gives the believer a cross for His kingdom. Occasionally, an unexpected cross will be given to us. We need faith to take it and obey to take it to glorify God. There will be reward, eternal life. Through our obedience, the kingdom of God, salvation, and the gospel will be completed. The kingdom of God will come on earth as it is in heaven through our obedience.
Prayer
Lord, help me to be grateful for the cross given to me and help me to carry it. Give me the strength to carry it. Amen.