Bare the Cross

As we are getting closer to Easter the realization of the crucifixion is more predominate. Now, I personally read through the passages on the crucifixion more because it is through them that I realized my need for the Savior. Well, as I reading today in Luke 23 I really focused in on verse 26, where Simon of Cyrene carried the cross for Christ. As I have read through some thought questions by Spurgeon, I thought I would share them with you also.
First thing that came to mind is that we must follow Christ carrying the burden. Now I’m not a Bible scholar so I don’t know everything except for the little tidbits that I have read; but I think that Jesus still had to carry some of the cross (at least the crossbars) but then Simon was pulled out of the crowd to help. When we are carrying different burdens we can find comfort knowing that the Lord is in front of us carrying the burden with us. We are just following in the footsteps that He has made before us. He is right there with us sharing the heaviness. Christ is actually holding the weight of our burdens (sins) while we are only barring the lighter end.
One thing that I really had never thought about with this context was that “It is not our cross, but Christ’s cross that we carry.” I know that at times I feel weary while I am trying to live my life for Christ. Many people would rather live for the world because it is so much easier. But remember that our lives are for Christ, it is His cross that we are bearing.
Lastly, “Simon carried the cross for a short time, but it gave him lasting honor.” Our lives are very short, but we will spend eternity with Christ. Are we really willing to carry what the Lord has set in front of us? Christ did not suffer on the cross so that we will never have to suffer; He suffered to be the sacrifice and to give us a way to escape suffering.
“Christ exempts you from sin, but not from sorrow.”