Where are the Simons?
A certain man from Cyrene, Simon, the father of
Alexander and Rufus, was passing by on his way
in from the country, and they forced him to carry
the cross. -- Mark 15:21
I once read that criminals to be crucified often had to carry to the place of crucifixion their own cross beam, a piece of wood weighing up to fifty pounds. Jesus started out by shouldering His cross, but He had been so weakened from floggings that a passerby named Simon was pressed into service.
It's interesting to note that Simon was only passing by and that he was forced to carry the cross of Christ. I like to imagine, however, the relief Jesus must have felt--after having helped so many others in so many ways, here was a man to help Him!
Often you'll hear hurting and overburdened people say, "This is the cross I must bear." These dear people need burden-bearers. They need help and, in a way, their unspoken plea may be, "Where is my Simon?"
But who will help? Like Simon, you may seen yourself as an innocent passerby being forced into service--helping an aunt recover from a stroke--assisting a neighbor who just got out of the hospital--lending a hand to a co-worker who recently was diagnosed with a terminal illness.
And like Simon, the task may take you unaware, your plans may be interrupted, and you may feel put-upon. But as you carry the burden of a hurting friend or family member, you may discover that your attitude will change--especially when you see that smile of relief and gratitude.
You'll discover the privilege of being someone's Simon.
What a privilege it was for Simon to carry Your
cross, Lord. In a way, I have the same privilege
as I bear the burdens and carry the hurts of Your
body, my brothers and sisters in Christ. Let me
be a Simon to someone today.
-- From Diamonds in the Dust, by
Joni Eareckson Tada
~~~~~~~~~~~
[Note: It is interesting to see that Mark pointed out to his readers that Simon was the father of Rufus and Alexander. Apparently those two men were well-known in the early church and he wanted his readers to know that their father was the man who helped Jesus carry His cross that fateful day.
We see Rufus listed in Romans 16:13 when Paul asks the 'saints in Rome' to tell him and his mother hello.
Alexander was a more common name, but one is listed as a early church leader in Acts, and perhaps he is the same Alexander.
It is easy to imagine Simon returning home to Cyrene and telling his family what happened to him while he was in Jerusalem. Or perhaps they were with him at the time. Maybe he stood near the cross and watched what was happening. Maybe he was already a follower of Jesus.
We don't know much about him -- but isn't that the way it is with most burden-bearers? Anonymous to everyone except the individuals they helped along the way! Isn't that the way it should be? Burden-bearers serving in the name of Christ and for His glory, not for ours.
No article in the paper. No mention on the TV news. Nothing in the church bulletin. A Christ-like servant of our Lord, obeying Him when He tells us to help each other.
Another prayer for today might be: "Lord, help me today to be a burden-bearer, anonymous, except to You."]
