With the going-ons in the world, every true believer should earnestly draw closer to God, because naturally, nothing seems to be working. Your responsibility as kingdom citizens is to further the kingdom of God. Your only hope is in the world to come, and now that nothing is working in this world, your gaze should be fixed on him.
TEXTS: 1Timothy 2:1-3, John 18:35, Daniel 2:44, Isaiah 9:6, 2Peter 1:12-13, Romans 11:14, Matthew 27:29-32
You need to be stirred up always, especially when it involves something spiritual. And because we do go weary spiritually, that is why we need revival. There should be constant need to connect ourselves to our source of spiritual strength–the word of God, because faith comes by hearing. The word of God should always motivate and bring us back to our position in Christ. We should also bear the burden of the cross of Jesus by responding to the service of God when needed.
The cross is not somewhat easy to carry; think about what should be used for crucifixion. Research reveals to us that the cross has an approximate size of about 11 feet (3.5 meters) long and six inches wide, the estimated diameter of 15 centimeter. It has an estimated weight of around 100 pounds (45 kilos). This research in itself reveals a tree of death by anyone who is carrying it. But then, a man by the name Simon, was compelled to carry the cross of Jesus. Brethren, it wasn’t by accident, God had foreknown that he would carry the cross.
The cross definitely must have obstructed his plans; he must have been out about his personal plans because he was surmoned while he must have been going to somewhere important. It couldn’t have been an interesting day for him, however, he carried it. He met grace, because it led to the salvation of his wife and son. He was chosen by God to carry the cross.
Likewise, the cross of the gospel is laid on you to carry. God is counting on you like He was counting on Simon. And like it obstructed Simon’s plan, it will also obstruct your plans. It will demand intense responsibility from you. Although, it might seem too difficult a task, but eventually, it will be worth it all.
Carrying the cross of Jesus Christ is not in vain. It wasn’t for Simon alone, it is for you, too. In Romans 16:13, we realised that the one-day sacrifice of carrying the cross of Jesus brought salvation to him and his family. Paul told the Romans to salute Rufus, the son of Simon and his mother. Although they were Gentiles, God predestinated them for salvation; they became part of the family of God who would later believe the gospel of Jesus Christ. It may seem like a curse on your part to carry the cross, but when you receive grace and yield to God’s responsibility, it will in turn yield blessings unto you. There’s usually no regret in carrying the cross of Jesus Christ. May God grant you grace whenever He calls on you for service!
Amen!