Easter is upon us and many eyes are upon Jesus Christ whether for good or ill. This meridian in time goes hand-in-hand with Christmas. Whether Christian or not Christmas is traditionally celebrated toward the end of December, though the birth of the Christ Jesus was in the Springtime. Nonetheless, they are both epic and pivotal moments in the progress and salvation of not only the earth itself, but also every single life form that has ever lived, is living or will yet live upon it.
Many events took place especially in the last week leading up to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. From nearby Bethany to Jerusalem where there is the preparation for the Passover and the Last Supper, the Mount of Olives by way of Cedron Valley, the agony in the Garden of Gethsemane, the betrayal of Judas Iscariot, the trials of Jesus and eventually His condemnation. Yet, to the Christian world it is His triumph.
My mind of late has been brought to those steps Jesus took as he tarried with the cross. That old tree proved most agonizing as his strength waned on that dusty trail. Taking advantage of his distraught spirit at the sight of the suffering of Jesus, the people compelled Simon of Cyrene to lift up the cross after Jesus and assist to that place where the Savior would commend His spirit unto the Father. This small reference is found in the Book of Matthew 27:32.
The entire life and ministry of Jesus Christ is an unmeasured volume collection of lessons for all of us to learn. So what can be learned from this small reference to Simon? What measure of hope can be gleaned from this profound visual in our minds? The judgement on Jesus left Him without dignity in the eyes of the people in those final hours. Yet, the accusers left a mark that in many ways sums up the ministry of Jesus. Though their motives may differ from what history is wanting us to learn, the act of one man lifting the burden, the yoke, of another and tarrying with them is a hallmark act of compassion and service that can set mankind in a favorable setting with the Father and the Son.
Vicarious work is an eternal doctrine! Jesus Christ, Himself, authored vicarious work for those unable to do so for themselves. It was only He, who was able and authorized to bear the sins of the world. It was only He, who was sustained to be that bridgework between man and the presence of the Father. Yes, we can do things for others IF they are willing to receive it by their own choice.
His Sacred Name Video
Simon teaches us that though the scene may be gruesome and unsavory, the heart and spirit can supersede, and true compassion and brotherly love can set in to transform the occasion into a living paradise. How often do we see our fellow man in various levels of peril and seek to commune with their spirit in service? There are opportunities to serve everyday. In fact we are blessed we almost moment-to-moment opportunities.
Therein lies the disclaimer of Jesus when we stand before Him. We cannot blame the guy on the right or say our plight in life was worse than the guy on the left. Our minds will be opened and our lives will be like seas of glass. Then will our pride be stripped away so as to see the countless opportunities we've been given to progress and to help and uplift our fellow man. Just as Simon did in the final hours of Jesus. Just as Jesus did for all of us.
John the Beloved Witness of Resurrection
Yes, Simon was recordably compelled to lift up the cross. Yet, in relation to our lives are we not compelled of the Spirit to lift up the yoke of our fellow brethren and sisters, our fellow sons and daughters of God? History tells us that when a civilization is considered righteous is when through the Laws of Consecration man dedicated their time, talents, means and even compassion to the work of God. Through this all man may be happy and learn to live and grow together as one.
At this Easter may we learn the lesson from the small but profound passage of Simon of Cyrene. Let selfless service abound in your homes, communities and the world around you.
Many events took place especially in the last week leading up to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. From nearby Bethany to Jerusalem where there is the preparation for the Passover and the Last Supper, the Mount of Olives by way of Cedron Valley, the agony in the Garden of Gethsemane, the betrayal of Judas Iscariot, the trials of Jesus and eventually His condemnation. Yet, to the Christian world it is His triumph.
My mind of late has been brought to those steps Jesus took as he tarried with the cross. That old tree proved most agonizing as his strength waned on that dusty trail. Taking advantage of his distraught spirit at the sight of the suffering of Jesus, the people compelled Simon of Cyrene to lift up the cross after Jesus and assist to that place where the Savior would commend His spirit unto the Father. This small reference is found in the Book of Matthew 27:32.
The entire life and ministry of Jesus Christ is an unmeasured volume collection of lessons for all of us to learn. So what can be learned from this small reference to Simon? What measure of hope can be gleaned from this profound visual in our minds? The judgement on Jesus left Him without dignity in the eyes of the people in those final hours. Yet, the accusers left a mark that in many ways sums up the ministry of Jesus. Though their motives may differ from what history is wanting us to learn, the act of one man lifting the burden, the yoke, of another and tarrying with them is a hallmark act of compassion and service that can set mankind in a favorable setting with the Father and the Son.
Vicarious work is an eternal doctrine! Jesus Christ, Himself, authored vicarious work for those unable to do so for themselves. It was only He, who was able and authorized to bear the sins of the world. It was only He, who was sustained to be that bridgework between man and the presence of the Father. Yes, we can do things for others IF they are willing to receive it by their own choice.
His Sacred Name Video
Simon teaches us that though the scene may be gruesome and unsavory, the heart and spirit can supersede, and true compassion and brotherly love can set in to transform the occasion into a living paradise. How often do we see our fellow man in various levels of peril and seek to commune with their spirit in service? There are opportunities to serve everyday. In fact we are blessed we almost moment-to-moment opportunities.
Therein lies the disclaimer of Jesus when we stand before Him. We cannot blame the guy on the right or say our plight in life was worse than the guy on the left. Our minds will be opened and our lives will be like seas of glass. Then will our pride be stripped away so as to see the countless opportunities we've been given to progress and to help and uplift our fellow man. Just as Simon did in the final hours of Jesus. Just as Jesus did for all of us.
John the Beloved Witness of Resurrection
Yes, Simon was recordably compelled to lift up the cross. Yet, in relation to our lives are we not compelled of the Spirit to lift up the yoke of our fellow brethren and sisters, our fellow sons and daughters of God? History tells us that when a civilization is considered righteous is when through the Laws of Consecration man dedicated their time, talents, means and even compassion to the work of God. Through this all man may be happy and learn to live and grow together as one.
At this Easter may we learn the lesson from the small but profound passage of Simon of Cyrene. Let selfless service abound in your homes, communities and the world around you.
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