Simeon: to carry the cross

Friday, November 13, 2015
    Feast of Charles Simeon, Pastor, Teacher, 1836
Meditation:
    As they were going out, they met a man from Cyrene, named Simon, and they forced him to carry the cross.
    —Matthew 27:32 (NIV)
Quotation:
    Many years ago, when I was an object of much contempt and derision in this University, I strolled forth one day buffeted and afflicted with my little Testament in my hand. I prayed earnestly to my God, that He would comfort me with some cordial from his word, and that on opening the book I might find some text which should sustain me... The first text which caught my eye was this, “They found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name; him they compelled to bear his Cross.” You know Simon is the same name as Simeon. What a word of instruction was here—what a blessed hint for my encouragement! To have the Cross laid upon me, that I might bear it after Jesus—what a privilege! It was enough. Now I could leap and sing for joy as one whom Jesus was honouring with a participation in His sufferings.
    ... Charles Simeon (1759-1836), Memoirs of the Life of the Rev. Charles Simeon, Pittsburgh: R. Carter, 1847, p. 395 (see the book)
    See also Matt. 27:32; Mark 15:21; Luke 14:27; 23:26; 2 Cor. 1:5; 4:10; Phil. 3:10-11; Col. 1:24
Quiet time reflection:
    Lord, enable me to carry the cross. CQOD    Blog    email    RSS
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