No Greater Joy

# 738- Today's Du-votional comes from: Mr 15:21 “Then they compelled a certain man, Simon a Cyrenian, the father of Alexander and Rufus, as he was coming out of the country and passing by, to bear His cross.” No appeals process, the sentence was handed down and it was executed immediately. Crucify Him. Jesus began the journey to the place called Golgotha where the crucifixions took place, physically weakened by all the ill treatment, He simply was not able to carry the load. The soldiers could see that no amount of kicks, blows, and cursings could make Him stagger on, and so they look for someone they could compel to carry the cross of our Lord. The honor fell to a man named Simon from Cyrene. Why mention Cyrene? I believe it is mentioned so we understand that the cross was not for the Jew alone. Jesus died for the world and so it was necessary for someone outside of Jerusalem to participate in the cross. It's interesting to note that Mark includes the name of two of Simon's sons. This not only bestows a great honor on Simon, but it is likely that the early readers of the Gospel of Mark would recognize those names. Think about the implication of that. Alexander and Rufus were known by Mark. They were known by Holy Spirit who prompted Mark to write of them. This tells me that they were known by the church. They were connected to the church, and there is no greater joy for a believing parent. “I have no greater joy than to hear my children are walking in the truth. (3Jn 4) What a fitting honor and blessing for the man named Simon. I pray for all parents today, Lord that they may know one day that their children are walking with You.