Daily Devotional for Tuesday, May 19

Simon from Cyrene and the Maidens

“For if they do these things in a green tree, what shall be done in the dry?” Luke 23:31.

There are individuals in Scripture of whom we only get a glimpse. Many are unnamed, and we only know their task or action. Some are only known by association. Consider Potiphar’s wife or the female servant who ran to pass along a message for King David and the young man who ratted her out (2 Samuel 17:17, 18). The widow who experienced the miracle of the oil, and the widow of Zarephath also come to mind. Lapidoth, Deborah’s husband, and Heber, Jael’s husband are recorded in history because of their wives. Tabernacle craftsmen Bezaleel and Oholiab are only known for their handiwork. David’s sons Shammua, Shobab, Nathan and nine others are only listed by name. Anna, Simeon, Bartimaeus, Nathanael, Jairus, Zacchaeus and Cleopas tiptoe quickly through the pages of Scripture, yet, they are there. Jesus actively preserved the memory of the woman who anointed Him. Wherever the gospel is proclaimed, she will be mentioned (Matthew 26:13). Each of these were preserved with purpose.

Simon from Cyrene is another name to add to the list. We know nothing about him except his small but important appearance in the crucifixion story. Jesus, fatigued and exhausted from lack of sleep, stress, loss of blood, severe beating and emotional anguish, needed assistance in carrying His cross. Simon was snatched from the crowd for the task and subsequently found a place in Christian history. Behind him a multitude and a group of mourning women followed. There were professional mourners hired to attend funerals, and some attended executions to mourn and offer mixes to dull the pain of those suffering. Whether these were professional mourning women or simply sympathetic women, Jesus took time to address them. Even on His way to the cross He was teaching. If Jerusalem’s leaders opposed the work of God when it is most evident through the presence of His own Son, how much more when He is no longer with them?

THOUGHT

Behold, the days are coming.

Kelli Reynolds