At unexpected times, God steps in to our lives. This happened to Simon of Cyrene (Modern day Libya) when he was forced to carry Jesus’ cross. Everything we know about him is found in three verses…
As they went out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name. They compelled this man to carry his cross… (Mt 27:32).
And they compelled a passerby, Simon of Cyrene, who was coming in from the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to carry his cross (Mk 15:21).
And as they led him away, they seized one Simon of Cyrene, who was coming in from the country, and laid on him the cross, to carry it behind Jesus (Luke 23:26).
Simon was traveling from or to Cyrene when he was made to carry Jesus’ cross to the place of crucifixion. This was an unexpected detour in Simon’s travel plans. In seconds he went from being unknown to eternally known. Commentators mention that carrying Jesus’ cross may have resulted in his salvation and that of his family (Mk 15:21 with Ro 16:13). Simon was unexpectedly drafted to carry Jesus’ cross, and his life was forever changed.
Consider that at some point in every person’s life, God intervenes. It may be a burning bush like with Moses. It might be an event like with Isaiah. It might be a bright light like with Saul or Ananias who was instructed by an angel to go to Saul. It could be an angel as with Cornelius or something as simple as knowing God exists by observing creation. The point is, sooner or later God intervenes into our lives with many (all) called but few being chosen. The difference depends on each person’s response to God’s intervention.
When will the burning bush come into your life? When will you see God high and lifted up? When will a bright light shine around you? When will God intervene into your life? It is impossible to know. But whenever it happens, from that point forward your eternity will be determined. Be ready… respond to God favorably. You will be thankful one day you did.