Mark Chapter 15 verse 21 (NIV)
A certain man from Cyrene, Simon, the father of Alexander and Rufus, was passing by on his way in from the country, and they forced him to carry the cross.
Simon of Cyrene didn’t come looking for Jesus. He was on his way to Jerusalem, presumably because of the Passover. Yet here he has an encounter with Jesus like no one else ever experienced. He was forced to carry the cross. We don’t even know if, at that time, he even knew who Jesus was. Yet that encounter seems to have changed his life. Mark’s account mentions his sons, Alexander and Rufus as if his readers should know who they were. Scholars believe that the Rufus, mentioned in Romans is the same one. His mother is mentioned too. If that is so, it means that the whole family became believers, all because of that one encounter, even under such circumstances. God can use even the most difficult and unlikely circumstances to draw lives to Himself, even when we least expect it. And such a real encounter is enough to impact not only our lives, but also those we come into contact with, such is the reality and power of the work of Christ.
Dear Lord,
Thank You for reminding me that You can meet us and change us, even in the most unexpected of circumstances. You can use even the most difficult of circumstances for good. So let me see you even in those. I pray in Jesus’ Name. Amen.