A Simon Experience…..

There isn’t 100% proof this is the same people but when I read this section of Luke I can’t help but think of the impact Jesus’ encounter with Simon had. Simon most likely was a converted Jew. He was from Cyrene, a town in Libya, Africa. He brought his two sons (Rufus and Alexander) with him to celebrate the Passover. As he arrived, Jesus was unable to carry His cross, so the Roman soldiers grabbed him and forced him to carry Jesus’ cross the rest of the way to Golgotha (the hill in which He was crucified). Imagine, Simon’s experience? Walking alongside Jesus. He saw the pain and suffering Jesus was enduring. He probably rubbed up against Jesus’ bleeding and beaten body. If he was familiar with Isaiah chapter 53, he would’ve seen the suffering servant, beaten so badly, He was unrecognizable. Imagine the conversation? Whatever happened, it changed Simon. It says in Acts that on the day of Pentecost, the people from Cyrene were some of the first to believe. It could’ve meant Simon and his two sons. He probably returned home and began to wonder what he experienced. Whatever the case he most likely became a follower of Christ. His son Rufus is mentioned in Romans chapter 16. The entire point here is the encounter Simon had with Jesus that day set into motion a chain of events that lead many people to faith in Jesus. Simon’s encounter with Jesus was a divine appointment. Carrying Jesus’ cross forever changed a man for the better. Jesus has the ability to do that. Are you carrying His cross? Are you being the “Jesus with skin on” to the world? It just might make a difference to someone desperately needing to hear the Gospel today, and be infused with hope. You never know where your obedience to God will lead you. It just might be a Simon experience.

26 As they led Jesus away, a man named Simon, who was from Cyrene, happened to be coming in from the countryside. The soldiers seized him and put the cross on him and made him carry it behind Jesus. Luke 23:26

The “Mob Mentality” Of Today Isn’t New…

The “mob mentality” of today isn’t new. Jesus’ death was a result of this “mob mentality”. Pilate and Herod both found no grounds for Jesus to suffer the death penalty, and yet they gave into their demands. Recently, here in America there was a trial. And the “mob mentality” seemed to prevail. There even were congressmen, lawmakers, elected public servants, making statements that if a “guilty verdict” wasn’t handed down there would be violence in the streets. Here, you have a lifelong, proven criminal being exonerated because of a political ploy disguised in a movement about social justice. On a side note, when you place any word in front of the word justice, it demeans the concept. People are naming streets, squares, and even wanting to name schools after a convicted felon. Then, exercising a “mob rule mentality”, at his trial. It’s just sad that this part of human nature continues without its acknowledgment. Barabbas, a known murderer, got a free pardon from Pilate, while Jesus, being innocent, was convicted to be crucified. Times may change, but human nature certainly doesn’t. The sinful nature of man will always mess things up to the point where the innocent suffer and the guilty are edified. We live in a messed up world where “mob mentality” rules. It’s nothing new, just proof of man’s sinful nature.

13 Then Pilate called together the leading priests and other religious leaders, along with the people, 14 and he announced his verdict. “You brought this man to me, accusing Him of leading a revolt. I have examined Him thoroughly on this point in your presence and find Him innocent. 15 Herod came to the same conclusion and sent Him back to us. Nothing this man has done calls for the death penalty. 16 So I will have Him flogged, and then I will release Him.”17 18 Then a mighty roar rose from the crowd, and with one voice they shouted, “Kill Him, and release Barabbas to us!” 19 (Barabbas was in prison for taking part in an insurrection in Jerusalem against the government, and for murder.) 20 Pilate argued with them, because he wanted to release Jesus. 21 But they kept shouting, “Crucify Him! Crucify Him!”22 For the third time he demanded, “Why? What crime has He committed? I have found no reason to sentence Him to death. So I will have Him flogged, and then I will release Him.”23 But the mob shouted louder and louder, demanding that Jesus be crucified, and their voices prevailed. 24 So Pilate sentenced Jesus to die as they demanded. 25 As they had requested, he released Barabbas, the man in prison for insurrection and murder. But he turned Jesus over to them to do as they wished. Luke 23:13-25

You Just May Learn More About Yourself…

God knows our every move. Jesus told Peter he would deny him 3 times before the rooster crowed. Obviously Peter didn’t believe Him. When it happened, Peter was distraught. He left weeping bitterly. God knows us better than we know ourselves. Why not get to know Him better? You just may learn more about yourself in the process.

61 At that moment the Lord turned and looked at Peter. Suddenly, the Lord’s words flashed through Peter’s mind: “Before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will deny three times that you even know Me.” 62 And Peter left the courtyard, weeping bitterly. Luke 22:61-62

Mistakes Are Not Who We Are…

Sometimes we have to look closer into the Bible to see examples of familiar concepts. Here we read of doing wrong, realizing it, repenting, and returning to God. We see God’s reaction to it as well. Just think, for the Christian, mistakes are part of life, part of our walk. Mistakes are not who we are, they just help shape us into who God intends us to be. Our reaction to our mistakes are what’s important. And it’s God’s handling of our mistakes that matters most. It’s just a matter of humbly realizing mistakes serve a purpose in our development, and they only fulfill their purpose when we respond to them the way God calls us to respond. Humility, honesty, and reverence, that’s how we respond to our mistakes. Only God can forgive our sins. He proved it on the cross. Isn’t it a secure feeling knowing our mistakes are not permanent? They may do damage, but it’s nothing God can’t fix. Praise God for His grace and mercy.

16 “Now stand here and see the great thing the Lord is about to do. 17 You know that it does not rain at this time of the year during the wheat harvest. I will ask the Lord to send thunder and rain today. Then you will realize how wicked you have been in asking the Lord for a king!”18 So Samuel called to the Lord, and the Lord sent thunder and rain that day. And all the people were terrified of the Lord and of Samuel. 19 “Pray to the Lord your God for us, or we will die!” they all said to Samuel. “For now we have added to our sins by asking for a king.”20 “Don’t be afraid,” Samuel reassured them. “You have certainly done wrong, but make sure now that you worship the Lord with all your heart, and don’t turn your back on Him. 21 Don’t go back to worshiping worthless idols that cannot help or rescue you–they are totally useless! 22 The Lord will not abandon His people, because that would dishonor His great name. For it has pleased the Lord to make you His very own people.23 “As for me, I will certainly not sin against the Lord by ending my prayers for you. And I will continue to teach you what is good and right. 24 But be sure to fear the Lord and faithfully serve Him. Think of all the wonderful things He has done for you. 25 But if you continue to sin, you and your king will be swept away.” 1 Samuel 12:16-25

We Were Never Meant To….

When I read about God’s provision, I can’t help but think there’s no such thing as the prosperity gospel. We were never meant to sit back and watch others come to Jesus from a distance. We are commanded to go out and preach the Gospel, making disciples of all nations. We are to roll up our sleeves and get a little dirty in the process. What God commands, He provides. So much for the concept of the prosperity gospel being biblical.

35 Then Jesus asked them, “When I sent you out to preach the Good News and you did not have money, a traveler’s bag, or extra clothing, did you need anything?”“No,” they replied.36 “But now,” He said, “take your money and a traveler’s bag. And if you don’t have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one!37 For the time has come for this prophecy about Me to be fulfilled: ‘He was counted among the rebels.’ Yes, everything written about Me by the prophets will come true.”38 “Look, Lord,” they replied, “we have two swords among us.”“That’s enough,” He said. Luke 22:35-38

Knowing It’s Not Permanent….

One of the greatest aspects of being a believer in Jesus is knowing when (not if) we mess up, it’s not permanent. Peter is the perfect example of this. Jesus told him when he repents and returns to being faithful to Him, he must strengthen his brothers. Jesus tells Peter he will fail. But immediately afterwards tells him that it’s not permanent. Forgiveness is one aspect Christianity has that no other religion has to offer, and it’s free. In all other religions forgiveness has to be earned. And you try in hope of God granting you that opportunity. Repentance is key. God knows we will fail Him, but He doesn’t have to hold it against us because Jesus paid the debt we owe. Do we take it for granted? It’s really easy to do. Our response out of gratitude for this free, unmerited, and undeserved gift, we live obediently to God. When we mess up, we turn around (repent) and return to Him. Being a Christian isn’t easy, we will mess up. Knowing it’s not permanent frees us from abandoning our service to the Lord. Thank God for His grace.

31 “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift each of you like wheat.32 But I have pleaded in prayer for you, Simon, that your faith should not fail. So when you have repented and turned to Me again, strengthen your brothers.”33 Peter said, “Lord, I am ready to go to prison with You, and even to die with You.”34 But Jesus said, “Peter, let Me tell you something. Before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will deny three times that you even know Me.” Luke 22:31-34

Too Much…Forget…Too Little..Dishonor…

I made a decision a long time ago that money wasn’t going to be my greatest pursuit in life. I pray the Proverbs prayer (30:7-9) about God providing for me with just the right amount, meeting my needs. Too much and I might forget Him. Too little I may become desperate and dishonor Him. There have been many times when adversity pays me a visit where I begin to question my sanity for praying that prayer, but it always is overcome with the truth: God provides for our needs. It’s because I don’t focus on wealth that my mind can take in God’s word and make it relevant in today’s world. As this proverb states, I’d rather live by God’s standards, being guided and provided for, than have my insides tearing me apart trying to figure out why joy evades me because there is no room inside left for God.

16 Better to have little, with fear for the Lord, than to have great treasure and inner turmoil. Proverbs 15:16

7 O God, I beg two favors from You; let me have them before I die.8 First, help me never to tell a lie.Second, give me neither poverty nor riches! Give me just enough to satisfy my needs.9 For if I grow rich, I may deny You and say, “Who is the Lord?” And if I am too poor, I may steal and thus insult God’s holy name. Proverbs 30:7-9