We read that Simon was a Cyrenian, from which we can infer that he was likely a Jewish man from the colony of Jews that were living at that time in what is today Libya. His plans to participate in the passover were suddenly interrupted when his path intersects with that of Jesus Christ. He was then compelled to carry the cross of Jesus. By carrying the cross of a condemned criminal he himself would be ceremonially unclean, which no doubt accounts for his reluctance. Here we have a picture of the willing Savior and the unwilling sinner. By nature, we are also reticent to bear the cross of Christ. Yet, cross bearing, is God's way of conforming us to the image of Christ. We learn by cross-bearing to be weaned from this world, and are made willing to walk in God's way after Christ.
SERMON ACTIVITY
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“ Joy in the midst of suffering! ” Oh, what a sweet message! I love Samuel Rutherford's quote, "Welcome, welcome, cross of Christ, if Christ be with it!" What joy there is in crosses, when it brings us closer to our dear Saviour, who bears both us and our crosses with, and for us! And how much easier it is to walk in His footsteps. I always think of that when I walk through three or more feet of freshly fallen snow: it's so hard--but when you have someone else's footsteps to place your feet in, it is still hard, but the hardest part is already done.
Nothing is worth the exchange for the cross of Christ! "Lead me in the way everlasting!" (Ps. 139)
James in Taiwan (4/10/2003)
“ Powerful ” This is a superb sermon for children and adults alike. Dr. Beeke has the heart of a puritan probably from reading them extensively. He enforces the idea that we should accept suffering as believers in Christ who suffered so much for us. He also points out our pitiful and ugly sinfulness getting us away from pitying ourselves. I listened to it at 6AM in Taiwan for morning devotions and was thrilled.
Joel R. Beeke (PhD, Westminster Theological Seminary) is the chancellor and professor of homiletics and systematic theology at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary. He has served as a pastor since 1978 and currently ministers at the Heritage Reformed Congregation of Grand...
