SHADYSIDE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Simon just happened to be in the crowd when you were carrying your cross on the way to your crucifixion.  But as you stumbled, Lord Jesus, the soldiers grabbed Simon out of the crowd and compelled him to carry your cross.

What must have been going on in his mind?  He thought he was just an innocent bystander, but he was compelled to take a role in the sacred drama of salvation.

Give me the courage to be Simon.  Pull me also out of the protected bystander anonymity of being just another face in the crowd, and give me a role in your passion for the world.  Clearly, this means carrying your cross.  But that is far better than the many crosses I have picked up on my own.  Only your cross leads to salvation.

I need wisdom to know what is the right cross to bear.  Amen.