Passing By

Mark 15:21 "A certain man from Cyrene, Simon, the father of Alexander and Rufus, was passing by on his way in from the country, and they forced him to carry the cross."

Cyrene, was located in present-day Tripoli, Libya.  People from Cyrene were present at key moments in early Christianity.  Simon just happened to be passing through the city, with his two boys, when the Messiah was crucified (Mark 15:21).  Acts 2:10 tells us that people from Cyrene was present at the coming of the Holy Spirit in Jerusalem.  Acts 11:20 tells us that at the formation of the first Gentile church in Antioch some were also from Cyrene.  Lucius of Cyrene was noted among the prophets and teachers in Acts 13:1.  

Simon was passing through and met the Savior.  Could it be that his experience with the cross stayed with him?  Could it be that his children, Alexander and Rufus, were never the same?  Could it be that his children became the first missionaries to their own people?

At least with Rufus something took.  Paul mentioned him again in Romans 16:13.  His mother was noted as a woman with a great reputation.  

There are no chance spiritual encounters.  There are no divine mistakes.  There are no holy mishaps.

Remember when someone else introduced eternity into your heart.  You weren't looking for God, but he came looking for you.  Someone spoke about the reality of Hell, the hope of Heaven, and the desperate situation you found yourself in.  His journey met your journey.

There are others 'passing by on their way in from the country'.  What are they seeing when they see your life?  Are they seeing something which changes their life forever?  Are they seeing something which they pass along to their family?  Are they seeing something which propels them to tell their own people and nation?

So what?

1)  Stop today to remember where you were when His journey crossed your journey.  Take a moment to thank God for the cross which Christ carried, died on, and left behind in new life.  That same instrument which brought pain brings you life.

2)  Pray for sensitivity today to those around you.  Pray God will give you the opportunity to speak today about the cross of Christ.  It is the point where life changes forever.

3)  Take time to notice the 'Alexander and Rufus' in your life.  Leave a heritage of faith and service - and start TODAY.